For the time being all Qashqais use a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine that includes mild-hybrid technology. A 138bhp model kicks off the range, with this coming with a six-speed manual gearbox and sends power to the front wheels. With this unit under the bonnet, 0-60mph takes 10 seconds, while Nissan claims 44.7mpg, and CO2 emissions of 143g/km.
More choice comes with the more powerful 156bhp engine, which reduces the 0-60mph time to nine seconds in its quickest configuration. It comes as standard in front-wheel-drive manual form, though an Xtronic automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive are available if required. Even the thirstiest versions of this can still return more than 40mpg, with CO2 emissions topping out at 158g/km.
Later in 2022 Nissan will deploy a new ‘e-Power’ version as its first hybrid to be sold in Europe. It uses a 154bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric setup that promises to bring significantly reduced running costs, though full data is not available just yet.
What trim levels are offered?
Nissan offers a great range of trim levels on the Qashqai, with equipment highlights of each and prices as follows.
Visia – from £24,955
Kicking off the Qashqai range is the value-oriented Visia, which comes as standard with a seven-inch TFT dial display, rear parking sensors, air conditioning and Bluetooth. It also comes with LED headlights, electric and heated door mirrors and keyless start. A vast range of driver assistance features are also included, such as high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking, autonomous emergency braking at the front, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Acenta Premium – from £27,155
Upgrading to the Acenta Premium brings an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and keyless entry. It also features auto folding mirrors, automatic wipers and a reversing camera.
N-Connecta – from £29,190
N-Connecta models bring an upgraded nine-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, privacy glass and an around view monitor to help when parking.
Tekna – from £31,865
Next up is the Tekna and it adds more stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, along with a glass roof and silver rails. Other features include adaptive LED headlights, an electric driver’s seat and electric boot. Other bits of kit include a head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated seats and steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad and ProPilot semi-autonomous driving capability.
Tekna+ – from £35,195
Move up to the range-topping Tekna+ and it brings large 20-inch alloy wheels, an electric passenger seat and front massaging seats. Quilted leather upholstery adds to the high-end feel, as does a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
What about personalisation?
Personalisation isn’t the Qashqai’s strongest trait, but there are plenty of chances to make your car stand out. With 11 colours to choose from, that’s more than you get with plenty of competitors, with highlights including Ceramic Grey, Magnetic Blue and Fuji Sunset Red. You can also option a two-tone look, which sees the top half of the car painted in a contrasting gloss black.
The number of conventional optional extras is quite limited, though, and includes LED fog lights, the two-tone paint and a spare wheel.
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