Nissan Qashqai 2017 review: The British-built best-selling SUV gets a fresh new look, more tech, more comfort and a new top-of-the-range trim
Nissan Qashqai has stormed the sales charts since the first generation 10 years ago - we review the latest model to tempt buyers
YOU could grow a beard in the time it takes to research “reliable family cars” on the interweb – and still be left with a shortlist of 12.
Or you could just ask an AA man.
My mate Double A – yes, really – drives a Nissan Qashqai and here’s why: “I’ve got a Qashqai for the simple fact they’re reliable. They don’t break down.
“We never see them at work. Ever. That and the Honda Jazz. But I don’t want a Honda Jazz because I’m not 70.
“The Qasqhai doesn’t excite me, it’s not a racing car, it’s not fun to drive. But it ticks all the sensible boxes. It’s cheap to run, cheap to insure. I get 54mpg from my 1.5-litre diesel, which is bangin’. It’s just an all-round good bus.”
He continues: “One of the girls asked, ‘What car shall I buy?’ and I said, ‘Do you want one that never breaks down? Then go and buy a Qashqai’. So she did. And it’s got all the bells and whistles.
“I think they’ve moved up a bit because she’s got everything: reversing cameras, parking sensors, everything’s bang on.”
That’s enough now, Double A. Jeez. You’ll be working for Nissan next.
MOST READ IN MOTORS
But he does make a good point. The Qashqai – the original crossover built around-the-clock in Sunderland – keeps getting better and better.
The 2017 version arrives in showrooms any day with a fresh new look, more tech, more comfort and a new top-of-the-range Tekna+ trim.
That’s the blue car you see here. We put it next to the current car so you can compare the new front end. You like?
Sharper, oui?
The Tekna+ also features quilted leather, four-way lumber support, panoramic roof, Bose sound system, “shark fin” antenna (like a Beemer) and from next Spring, ProPilot 1, the first stage of Nissan’s autonomous driving tech.
It will be able to accelerate, brake and steer itself in single-lane traffic.
But Nissan has sprinkled some love across the entire range, from the £19,295 Visia upwards. That has new LED lights, D-shaped steering wheel, one-touch power windows and stand still assist.
The sweet spot is the £25,555 mid-range N-Connecta, 2WD diesel, with 7in touchscreen satnav and around-view cameras. Finance from £289 a month.
The Qashqai is Nissan’s qash cow. Britain’s fourth favourite car behind the Fiesta, Focus and Golf.
It’s a solid 8/10 in my book. Stylish, safe, good value, big boot. It does everything very well but nothing exceptional. And it won’t let you down.
Just ask Double A.