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Nissan Qashqai (2007 - )

What's Good

QASHQAI sits between C-segment hatchbacks and SUVs. 4,310mm long x 1,780mm wide x 1,610mm tall with wheelbase of 2,630mm. About 100mm longer than a typical hatchback but 150mm shorter than a typical SUV. Similarly, it is taller than rival hatchbacks by between 100-150mm yet up to 130mm lower than an SUV. Four engine options, two diesel and two petrol The 1.6-litre petrol offers 115PS of power and 160Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre produces 140PS and 200Nm. The diesel engine options – 1.5- and 2.0-litre – provide 106 and 150PS and 240 and 320Nm of torque respectively. Several gearbox options are available, according to engine choice. These include a five- and six-speed manual, a new six-speed automatic and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) option with manual mode. Both 2.0-litre engine options can be specified with Nissan's advanced ALL-MODE 4x4 system which gives added security and stability in marginal conditions. Production began on 5-12-2006 at Sunderland. UK launch at Barcelona 16th/17th January 2007.

When fitted with the constant variable transmission (CVT) trhe Qashqai has a lower exhaust emission level and improved fuel economy over the manual. And you can choose to have it in either two- or four-wheel drive. Linked to the all new, lightweight aluminium, fuel efficient 2.0 litre petrol engine the 2WD CVT has a CO2 rating of 192g/km compared to 199g/km for the manual which represents a 3.6% improvement. Economy goes up from 41.5mpg to 43.5mpg in the extra urban cycle and from 34.4mpg to 35.3mpg in the combined cycle.

Production of the new QASHQAI 2.0-litre twin-chain-cam dCi started w/c 16-4-2007. 2.0-litre dCi engine produces 110kW (150hp) at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm, while returning a fuel economy figure of 42.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 174g/km when fitted with manual transmission and in 2WD configuration. 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission also available. The engine also offers standard DPF and twin balancer shafts. It employs Piezoelectric technology supplied by Bosch and 1,600 bar of pressure to give fast, very precise control allowing a ‘five squirt’ injection cycle: two pre-squirts, one main squirt and two post-squirts. The pre-squirts improve engine acoustics by minimising the characteristic diesel clatter. The post-squirts sustain the main injection combustion, to burn off soot and thus bring down pollutant emissions before the exhaust gases have even left the combustion chamber.

Acoustics was one of the engineering priorities for the new engine. The bottom of the engine, with its aluminium bedplate, was designed for higher efficiency and improved vibration absorption. Twin counter rotating balancer shafts cancel crankshaft rotary vibration, making a major contribution to refinement, especially at higher speed. Together with the use of pre-injection, these solutions ensure a very high level of noise and vibration reduction. This engine is equipped with chain-driven camshafts for the sake of acoustic comfort, but also to the benefit of reliability and service life. The 2.0 dCi is equipped as standard with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) with a periodic regeneration system. When the particulates that have been collected from the engine emissions reach a specified level, the engine runs a process called thermal regeneration performing a second post-injection to overheat the exhaust gas. Above a certain temperature, the soot in the filter oxidizes off, and the filter can continue trapping particulates. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) produces a controlled temperature rise in the combustion chamber to reduce pollutant emission levels (NOx).

Consumption and emissions figures: 40.9mpg and 184g/km for the M/T 4WD version and 36.2mpg and 208 g/km for the A/T 4WD version.

Qashqai production at Nissan Sunderland now 700 a day. 100,000 built by 4-9-2007.

MAIN BENEFIT: ON 16" WHEELS WITH 215/65 TYRES THE CAR HAS EXCELLENT RIDE QUALITY OVER SPEED HUMPS, RUTS AND POTHOLES.

5 STAR HIGHEST EVER NCAP OCCUPANT PROTECTION RATING 36.83 points out of a maximum 37 points; 4 STAR CHILD PROTECTION; 2 STAR PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION.

European Car of the Year 2008 finalist.

Driver report from Paul Brickman of 2.0dci Qashqai 2 wheel drive Acenta: "Good points: Great performance, fantastic ride, especially over bumps and pot-holes."

On 31-1-2008 Nissan announced: "Nissan is to recruit 800 additional staff and implement a third production shift at its manufacturing plant in Sunderland in response to a record production year and continuing high demand for the
award-winning Qashqai."

Sound & Style special edition announced 5-11-08. Exclusive Bose sound system.
Unique 18” alloy wheels. Choice of 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines. Priced from £19,199 OTR.

Fuel economy test of slightly bigger, heavier +2:

Fuel economy on test as follows (two-up, driver and passenger, mixed route of country roads, towns and motorway so a fair test of the 'combined' figure):-

2.0 petrol 2WD 6-speed manual on 215/60 R17s: 38.1mpg

2.0 diesel 2WD 6-speed manual on 215/60 R17s: 43.2mpg

2.0 diesel 4WD 6-speed auto on 215/60 R17s: 41.2mpg

17-4-2009: Qashqai and Qashqai + 2 n-tec model introduced. Positioned between Acenta and Tekna grades, and with prices starting from £17,645, n-tec is available on both Qashqai and Qashqai+2 bodystyles and across all engines, transmissions and body colours. Offers the excellent user-friendly Nissan Connect system, plus a colour reversing camera. Nissan Connect features include bluetooth connectivity, five-inch touch screen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map and full postcode search facility, CD with MP3/WMA playback, FM/AM radio, AUX socket and USB port for full iPod connection.

18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, satin silver roof rails and satin silver door handles give real visual appeal while inside specification highlights include an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver alloy pedals.

36 months zero per cent APR offer, with a minimum 30 per cent deposit, benefits from 12 months free 'Just In Case' package. This is designed to protect customers should they be in the unfortunate position to lose their job through redundancy, accident or sickness, within the first 12 months of the finance agreement. Alternatively there's the option of a 6.9 per cent APR PCP deal over 36 or 48 months with a deposit of just 10 per cent.

Nissan Connect system now also comes as standard with the enhanced Tekna trim level which boasts a kit list worthy of its flagship status in the Qashqai family. Costing from £19,245 Tekna add-ons over n-tec include xenon headlamps with washers, body-coloured door handles, ESP, luxurious black leather trim, heated front seats and keyless entry/ignition.

New metallic colour Nightshade now available across the range.

Qashqai n-tec 1.6 £17,645

Qashqai n-tec 1.5dCi £19,145

Qashqai n-tec 2.0 2WD Man £19,195

Qashqai n-tec 2.0 2WD CVT £20,395

Qashqai n-tec 2.0 4WD Man £20,695

Qashqai n-tec 2.0 4WD CVT £21,895

Qashqai n-tec 2.0d 2WD Man £20,695

Qashqai n-tec 2.0d 4WD Man £22,195

Qashqai n-tec 2.0d 4WD Auto £23,395

15-6-2009: Qashqai rated 11th overall in the JD Power 2009 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study of 101 models, its first appearance in the survey.

Club at : www.quashqaiclub.co.uk (has a problems forum)

Road test at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=271

More at www.nissan.co.uk

Exported from the UK to Japan.

Last updated 9-9-2009

What's Bad

Unpronouncable name leaves it likely to become known as the "Squashy". Criticised for lack of rear headroom. New chain cam 2.0 diesel engine of choice, but lacks low speed torque. Owner driver feedback welcome.

17" wheels and low profile tyres of Tekna spec lose the car its advantage over speed humps and potholes. Handles slightly better but not worth it for the loss in ride quality and bump absorbtion.

18" wheels on n-tec plain ridiculous, destroying the Qashqai's USP of of good ride quality over potholes and road humps.

Seems to be a problem of rattling rear dampers.

Owner report of fuel economy of Quasqai 2.0 diesel auto: "about 28mpg, on mixed roads, medium journeys 32mpg, longer point to point 35mpg but changing to Shell V-Power diesel and doing about 350 miles over fast A roads and Norfolk back lanes the car returned a satisfying 42mpg, and ran more quietly."

Driver report from Paul Brickman of 2.0dci Qashqai 2 wheel drive Acenta: "Bad points: Fuel consumption, wow! Bad, I mean really, really bad. After the first day of thrashing the thing about, I zeroed the computer and started driving like a nun. Easy around town and never over 85mph using the cruise control. The best I got was 32mpg. Also, the thing clearly had a leak somewhere as every time we return to it, the whole interior screens and window were heavily condensated and took ages to clear, even with AC on. The clutch had a judder on downshifts from 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd."

Owner report of 1.5DCI Acenta, bought March 2008, report received August 2008.
Bought new on 1st March08 1.5dci nissan quashqai:-
7 weeks- fuel leak- fault at point of manufacturer.
11 weeks - plastic trim around rear passenger door fell off. waited 1 week for replacement.
12 weeks - gear box malfunction, no 4th,5th or 6th gear, Waited 2 weeks to have a complete new gearbox installed.
20 weeks - Warning light on dash and puffs of black reek from exhaust. new turbo hose installed

Another reader's list of complaints about a Qashqai 2.0DCI Tekna auto:

1. We are very unhappy with the GPS/Satnav operation: Not having the ability to enter a postcode is a real drawback when you do not have the full address. We have spent a considerable time in Cheshire recently and frequently the lanes on which we were travelling were not even marked on the Qashqai satnav. The GPS unit is nowhere near up to date – we found one road, the A419 around Swindon, had been rebuilt into a dual-carriageway flyover some two years ago and a roundabout done away with, but our unit still showed the old layout with a roundabout?

2. The reversing camera is poor in when you are trying to reverse into shadowed areas, trees, walls etc. Also when the weather is wet beads of water collect on the camera lens and distort the rear view.

3. Sixth gear, I think is slow to come in and is not within specification as given below. Ours goes up to almost 2,500 revs in 5th with a light foot on the accelerator before it operates. Speed specifications for sixth gear are half throttle 76-80 mph and full throttle 96-103 mph. If this specification is correct this means that sixth gear cannot be used within the UK's road speed limits.

4. The electric windows can not be operated in the auxiliary position of the ignition switch, only when the ignition is on.

5. The LCD fuel/oil etc instrument, orange light on the dash board is very bright and distracting when driving at night, and in our opinion is dangerous. It is not all the instrument only the orange one, so the Instrument Brightness Control will not control this one instrument.

What to Watch Out For

Gear knobs can become unstuck.

Seems to be a high incidence of owners of 2.0 diesels failing to self-clean their particulate filters because they don't drive the cars far enough at high enough speeds.

The rear seat folding mechanism does not allow for a flat floor.

Numerous reports of rattles from the rear suspension (see TSB under 'Recalls').

One report of failed CD player needing to be replaced.


Separate several reports of a leak from the front screen seal leading to condensation inside the car.

One 7 month old 25k mile example required new rear dampers.

Constant speed running hesitation reported on 1.5DCI at motorway speeds.

Carefully check front brake discs for uneven wear. Some have been found to be almost worn through on the inner face at as little as 24,000 miles. Pad calipers may not have been 'floating' correctly.

Derek Ruddock's Alarming list of dislikes and faults of a new 2.0 diesel 4x4 auto Tekna:

"Sat Nav did not work (aerial not connected, took 10 days before they fixed it, they did not believe me at first, the diagnostics showed no problem!) Having removed the passenger seat to gain access, they left the seat trim dangling untidily and had to remove the seat again to fix it.

Wheel arch models came away from bodywork, the wonders of sticky pads. Spoiler detached itself in hot sunshine, I could put my fingers through the gap! Paint run and a paint miss on the spoiler. Number plate 1" (25mm) off center. Stainless scuff protector on rear bumper fitted incorrectly. Air duct under bonnet not clipped in. Fuel leak from tank. faulty gasket. Rear seat belt fixings in back to front, release buttons on inside of belts. Smell of diesel from engine (never fixed).

The operator's manual instructions for disabling the interior alarm were flawed. No one ever answered my questions on this. Front passenger door handle jammed repeatedly in open position, so door would not close from inside. Greased it but it was still rubbing and had removed the paint.

Rear internal door moulding trims came un-clipped without intervention (rear seats rarely used and only by adults).

Fuel economy pathetic for a diesel, urban usage 26mpg extra urban 35mpg. overall 33mpg (urban achieved 33.9mpg with manual gearbox over-ride). The published figures were not available when I ordered the car in February, but the Nissan/Renault website claimed class leading fuel economy for the engine. The garage suggested I should expect in the mid 40's.

Gearbox reluctant to change up. Would not go into 6th gear below 78 MPH.What's the point of that? Manual over-ride is possible above 65, but return to auto will result in an immediate downshift even when cruising at steady speed on a flat road with no acceleration.

Replacement of wheel arch mouldings resulted in paintwork damage.

On one occasion I could not turn the ignition switch, the handbrake was on it was in Park and I had my foot on the brake. After 30 seconds or so of trying I got out of the car, tried to lock it using the button on the door handle- no go. Used the Fob and the car locked, I then unlocked it got back in and tried the ignition again. Still the keyless ignition switch would not turn. Remembering the key I removed the covers and used the key, worked first time. Took the key out and tried again relying on the proximity sensing,........ worked fine. No comment from dealer or Nissan, seems like a software bug to me.

There were further issues of loose nuts and plastic parts not secured under the bonnet as well as a spare plastic item lodged in a recess in the engine casting, this was clearly visible but never removed in spite of comment.

I loved driving the car but I could not trust it, what else might not work. It was comfortable and lively. The gearbox logic was however insane. Nissan at one point did give me £250 of compensatory tokens but now that I have returned the car they are of little use. They kept promising that someone would be in contact but that never ever happened in spite of repeated e-mails to them. It was the service response, or lack of it, that resulted in me falling out of love with the car. It could and should have been so different."

Recalls

TSB: On 2.0 DCI Tekna, at least, (17" wheels), the bushings for the rear dampers can soften after only a few months. Routinely replaced in service FOC. TSB February 2009: Design fault with cooling system/heater of 2.0DCI. Overcooling and does not deliver enough warm air to the cabin.