Nissan is refining its bestseller by offering the Qashqai cleaner engines and a dual-clutch auto box for the new 160-horsepower petrol engine. Its price starts at 24 650 €.
It was in 2007 that Nissan launched the Qashqai, a hybrid- styled vehicle, mixing sedan, station wagon and 4 × 4 . It is also at the origin of the word crossover .
Unexpectedly, the success was immediate, forcing the competition to invest a niche that continues to flourish under the acronym also of SUV , an abstract of the anglicism Sport Utility Vehicle.
To defend its leading position in this European market, the Japanese brand has continued to advance its Qashqai, especially with a second generation in 2014 which has already received aesthetic and technological developments, like the version having a complete system of assisted driving. 2019 marks a revolution under its hood with the advent of new petrol and diesel engines.
More efficient engines and … more sober
This step was made necessary because of the introduction of new standards for calculating CO2 emissions . Engineers have worked hard to make their engines even cleaner . This is a brand new 4 cylinder gasoline 1.3 liter, available in two power (140 and 160 hp) and developed thanks to the synergies of the Alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi . The Qashqai was the first.
This block replaces the 1.2 liter of 115 hp and the 1.6 liter of 163 hp. The benefits are significant, especially for the “small” gasoline engine since it earns 25 hp and 50 Nm of torque while the CO2 emissions drop by 5 g / km and the consumption of 0.1 liter. The most powerful loses, of course, 3 hp but gains 20 Nm while the CO2 emissions drop by 10 g / km and the consumption by 0.3 liter.
A well-clutched double-auto clutch
In the Diesel clan, the 1.5 liter was completely reconditioned a few months ago, seeing its power rise from 110 to 115 hp with a gain of 25 Nm thanks to an overboost.
But the novelty of the moment, it is the disappearance of the 1.6 liter of 130 hp for the benefit of a modern 1.7 litre of 150 hp, in other words 20 hp additional but also 20 Nm more, bringing a fluid driving, better acceleration, hence more security, and a more discreet noise. It allows especially to enjoy his best couple at low speed. One regret, however, no automatic transmission but a 6-speed mechanical gearbox, the last three being very long. On the other hand, the 115 hp benefits from the optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT 7) for an additional charge of € 1,600.
A remarkable 160 hp DCT 7 Petrol
Finally, the Qashqai is available in 4 × 4 version only with the 150 hp Diesel, but now offers the choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed automatic gearbox, the latter being previously reserved for the 130 hp Diesel traction . A repaired gap especially as on slippery road or dirt road, the automation brings an undeniable ease of driving.
We can also welcome the new option DCT 7 box with the 160 hp petrol which brings more serenity to the steering wheel with ratios shorter than those of the 6-speed mechanical gearbox … At 6,500 rpm, it gives 40, 75, 110, 140, 170 and 200 km/h, the maximum speed easily obtained in 6th. No paddles on the steering wheel but it is possible to regain control by impulse on the central lever. This is certainly the most homogeneous Qashqai and the most pleasant to drive. Starting from € 30,300.
