We review the Nissan Qashqai (2007) from price to economy and all its features
THE Qashqai has become something of a cash cow for Nissan. Sales have been phenomenal - and it isnt hard to see why.
The car has real road presence, a truly distinctive look and is an excellent drive.
Nissan describe the Qashqai as a new take on the everyday hatchback - it has sports SUV style looks, but drives like a top quality hatchback.
Thats a big claim, so does it live up to it?
The SUV attributes are there to see and to be used and enjoyed. The raised seating gives you a great view, not only of the road ahead but all round so there's a delightfully light and airy feel inside the car.
And the raised suspension means the ride is extremely supple even if you happen to come across the inevitable potholes and undulations on British roads.
You feel also really safe and secure in the Qashqai. The build quality is superb with the cabin fit and finish as good as could be expected of a much more expensive car.
The steering offers plenty of assistance when parking, and has excellent feel on the road. Its really quite sporty so, along with the light controls and slick manual five-speed gearbox, it contributes to a really enjoyable drive.
With plenty of space for passengers, an accommodating load area, vibrant pick-up from the engine and the reliability we have come to expect from Nissan, it is easy to see why the car has had such an impact.
It's ideal for mums on the school run, with four-wheel-drive versions ready to take on the road conditions likely to be experienced during winter in rural areas.
There's no doubt about it, Nissan made a bold move when they replaced the Almera and Primera with such a distinctive model, but it now seems they knew their market and understood their buyers desires better than most believed.
Prices start from £13,499. The Qashqais only problem is that it doesn't seem to know whether it is a hatchback, compact SUV or Crossover — the truth is it is a bit of everything.
It also offers a lot of car for the money and residual values are set to keep running costs down. It's a car that deserves to succeed.
More Motors
What to look out for when buying a used Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (2007-2013)
The Qashqai has performed well in reliability and quality surveys, including those by JD Power and Warranty Direct. Nissan is also generally well-rated in the UK — behind the other Japanese manufacturers, but ahead of most of the rest.
Diesels used mainly for short low-speed journeys have suffered sooting-up of their particulate filters.
There have been problems with rear shock absorbers, and reports of other small niggles including leaking windscreens, weedy air con and trim defects. Additionally we have seen some geabox issues with the CVT and in 2.0 dCi diesels.
Nissan has been forced into recalls for front suspension and steering faults - that could lead to a loss of vehicle control.
There have also been issues with seizing air conditioning compressors, stalling engines, leaks from particulate filters and fuel filter hose and electric power steering failures - a fairly lengthy list.
Make sure any Qashqai you’re considering has had these jobs done.