Nissan Qashqai+2 2.0 dCi 4x2 road test

Until I get my hands on the new additional Qashqai+2 models I have been spending my driving times at the wheel of a current 2.0-litre diesel dCi Acenta with Sat Nav, two wheel drive, seven seat version, price £21,499, potentially the best selling model. Leave out the Sat Nav option and the price is £20,149.

I was initially mightily impressed at the media launch test drive in October by the Qashqai+2 for several reasons. The practicalities of seating and load space combinations, the choice of two very good engines and the really very good driving performance and comfort this vehicle offers whether it has two or four wheel drive. So having a vehicle for an extended driving spell really did allow me to work out whether my short term views were accurate under day-to-day, real-life usage.

Nissan GB says UK sales are split 50-50 between 2.0-litre petrol and diesel models, 90% of customers choose the manual transmission option and 75% choose a two-wheel drive version. Visia specification attracts 25% of customers, Acenta 50% and top of the range Tekna 25%.

Aimed at families who have the need for seven seats, or five seats and extra load space in their vehicles, the wheelbase over the standard Qashqai has been extended by 135mm and the overall length by 210mm and is now 4,525mm. The roof height at the rear is increased by 40mm to 1,645mm and this also results in 16mm more front seat headroom and 10mm more for the middle row. There is 23mm more knee room for the middle row seats as well thanks to the added length. The vehicle has restyled front and rear doors as well as a new tailgate with a deeper rear window.

With all seven seats in use the boot space is minimal but fold the rear row flat without having to remove the headrests and the load space is 550-litres. Fold both the rear and centre row seats down and the maximum load space increases to 1,520-litres. By adding two extra seats with more leg and headroom throughout, thanks to the extended body, this will appeal to families where having seven seats is an important requirement. But more likely for most customers five seats will be enough but the added load area space is the real reason I think to purchase this vehicle. Be warned the rear row of two seats offers only very limited legroom so treat them as occasional seats

There is the choice of two four-cylinder engines, a 150PS 2.0 dCi or 140PS 2.0-litre petrol. Both are available with six-speed manual or CVT/auto transmissions. Fitted as standard across the range are a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, stereo radio/CD sound system, drive computer, split folding second and third row seats, front, side and curtain airbags, roof bars and electronic stability programme. I’m advised the additional new 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel models will have similar specification levels although I’m less than impressed that ESP electronic stability programme is available as an option, not as standard. Not very clever for a family vehicle I think.

Acenta versions include added specification in the form of automatic wipers and headlights, cruise control upgraded sound and air conditioning and some leather trim. The Tekna models have added leather upholstery, Xenon headlights and headlights washers and Sat Nav versions get what it says on the label.

So the Qashqai+2 for me is the complete package of what a relatively compact family vehicle should be. Suitable for purpose, functional, well equipped, a nice and a good quality feel to the interior trim, a very good and fuel efficient diesel engine and multiple seating and load carrying layouts. But best of all for the type of vehicle it is, it just drives and handles so well, really better than most family cars. The conventional power assisted rack and pinion steering is really precise and sharp with plenty of feedback and the cornering grip is immense given the size, height and weight of this people-carrier.

The suspension is totally compliant and it gives a comfortable ride without being sloppy. In truth I cannot think of a better handling SUV/MPV type vehicle on the market today. All is not perfect with the Qashqai because the styling is pretty bland and there is a very significant price hike over standard five seat models. It is an easy vehicle to visually take no notice of, but do not overlook the Qashqai in any form, it is a really good vehicle.

Nissan Qashqai+2 MILESTONES

Nissan Qashqai+2 2.0 dCi Acenta manual 4x2 with Sat Nav

Price: £21,499

Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, common-rail turbodiesel. 150PS and 320Nm of torque from 2,000rpm. 6-speed manual gearbox, 2-wheel drive

Performance: 118mph, 0-62mph 10.9 seconds, 42.2mpg (42.9mpg actual), CO2 177g/km, VED Band E £170, BIK tax 26%

Insurance group: 9E

Dimensions/capacities: 4,525L, 1,780W, 1,645H, load area 550-1,520-litres, braked towing weight 1,400kg

For: Good to drive, surefooted roadholding and comfortable ride qualities, well made and nice interior design with soft-feel trim, flexible seating and load carrying arrangements, economical and responsive engine, slick transmission

Against: Bland exterior styling, expensive over five-seat versions, limited access to the third row of seats which offer very little legroom.