Hardly a month seems to pass without another manufacturer introducing a new rival to the Qashqai, so Nissan has had to stay on its toes to ensure the first is still among the best.
The third generation Qashqai arrived back in 2021, and a further evolution of this mid-size SUV was introduced to showrooms this year when the vehicle received a facelift.
The Qashqai’s paintwork gleaming in the sunshine The changes include improved tech and a number of styling tweaks, both inside and out.
Having shifted over four million Qashqai units since 2007, Nissan has opted for evolution not revolution, with the latest changes not detracting from the qualities that drew buyers to the vehicle in the first place.
In terms of looks, the car’s face has been given a fresh appearance thanks to a new grille, lights and bumpers, along with changes to the rear. It makes for a good-looking machine with a striking and confident appearance. The new grille, rising upwards and outwards to marry in with the lights, gives the car a very distinctive look.
During my week in the Qashqai’s company, I particularly enjoyed the responsiveness of the powertrain.
The vehicle has a smart look from all angles The e-Power drivetrain provides a smoothness and immediacy more akin to a fully electric vehicle. When you first drive the vehicle, you get the sense that something is a little out of the ordinary – and it is.
That’s because this is a hybrid with a somewhat unusual configuration whereby the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine isn’t actually connected to the wheels, but powers an EV motor or charges a small 1.8kWh battery.
The sound of the petrol engine becomes more noticeable under heavy acceleration, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s directly powering the wheels. In reality, it’s working harder to drive the e-motor, which then sends power to the front wheels. You might want to think of it in terms of a full-time range extender.
With 187bhp available, it’ll take you from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, which is plenty fast enough for a family crossover. Certainly, I never found it lacking when a turn of pace was needed.
The Qashqai is still at the top of its game The Qashqai rides well and is superbly insulated from outside noise, which makes it pleasant for everyday family use.
The steering and handling is trustworthy, but isn’t sharp enough to provide much engagement for keen drivers. As you might expect in this segment, ease of use and passenger comfort are prioritised over a dynamic drive.
Drivers have the option of activating a Brake mode for extra power regeneration or an e-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving.
Once you step into the cabin, space and practicality are excellent, with no problem fitting five adults inside and an excellent driving position. The boot, measuring 479 litres, is a decent enough space but not as big as some rivals. With the seats folded down, there’s 1,415 litres of space.
The interior is both practical and refined Plenty of new materials are to be found, with a highlight being the Alcantara dashboard wrap. There are also new materials for the comfortable seats, while a wide range of ambient light gives the interior a nice ambience.
The new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system has sharp graphics and is more polished than its predecessor.
Meanwhile, lots of new safety tech has been added to bring extra peace of mind.
The range starts at £30,135, but buyers who wish to climb the trim trail could pay upwards of £40,000. In conclusion, the Qashqai remains a compelling all-round offer that’s fighting fit for the current era.
The Lowdown
Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol 190 e-PowerPERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and 105mph top speedTRANSMISSION: Auto, front-wheel driveECONOMY: 53.3mpg combined PRICE: £42,980 on the road