Nissan Qashqai 1.3 Mild hybrid 158 hp Xtronic

In 2007, the first Qashqai coined the concept and the word crossover. A UFO on the French market where the minivan was the norm. Five years later, the Japanese encountered around fifteen competitors on his route. It was the beginning of “two-wheel drive 4x4s” which would become SUVs as they gained height.

The heir to the precursor of crossover fashion

Nearly fifteen years and 300 units later, the Qashqai is still Nissan's best-seller, but the category has since found its new star. THE Peugeot 3008, which arrived in an old-fashioned style at the end of the 2000s, is today one of the most stylish cars in France, but also the leader of a very well-stocked segment. It is in this context that the new Qashqai will attempt to break through, after a relatively discreet period in the face of its long-standing enemies.

Price repositioning

Its previous generation wanted to be more accessible than average. However, in a segment where technological deployment is going very quickly, it is difficult to remain the most attractive at a time when rents are flying higher than list prices in advertisements. The Qashqai 3 has learned its lesson. It maintains an aggressive starting price, however the good version, in terms of engine and finish, is in the same price ranges as the others. What could make the difference? Style, the first purchasing criterion, but also the quality of the commercial relationship and the current offers. The automotive market has never been so volatile. In terms of range, if the Japanese maintains a fairly broad structure of finishes, it definitively excludes diesel from its offer. For the moment, it is only available in 1.3 Mild hybrid with 140 hp at entry level, or in 158 hp with a CVT automatic transmission, the subject of our test, or even with four-wheel drive. The Qashqai also justifies its price with an impressive update to its standard equipment.

An impressive standard equipment.

He doesn't forget anything about the new driving aids, and pushes the cursor quite far in this area. The dashboard remains classic in its style, but is brimming with technology. From the driving position, we see a 12,3-inch instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display of unparalleled width in the automotive world. Also note that the GPS is particularly efficient, with a screen quality superior to what can be seen with many competitors, particularly French ones. Connectivity is also very present, allowing the Qashqai to present features such as real-time weather and traffic, but also a Google Street View display. On certain versions, standard or optional, the panoramic glass roof or the quilted leather upholstery can make the journey even more pleasant. But everything is not perfect…

Strap box

At 158 ​​hp, the CVT automatic transmission comes as standard. These variator transmissions have some virtues, notably in terms of mechanical flexibility (they smooth the ratios) and, depending on use and driving style, can improve consumption. Generally, they also go well with hybrid engines, as we can see on all Toyota which are equipped with it. However, when driving dynamically, this box experiences unpleasant variations in speed. At full load, the engine roars, for a long time at high rpm, as the speed increases. This is also the case on this 1.3 158 hp version, whose power seems muzzled by the nature of the transmission. On paper, the 9”2 announced for 0 to 100 km/h are not bad.

Strange dichotomy of style between a fairly futuristic front and a fairly banal rear.

But the impression from the steering wheel is not the same. The Qashqai, however, has other advantages to highlight, such as its comfort and its handling. The whole thing is quite lively and offers lively driving in the series of turns. Always considerate, but a little more mobile from the rear, it clearly focuses on road efficiency. It will also be appreciated on the motorway, with a level 2 autonomous driving system, which manages speed and distance depending on the vehicle in front, as well as centering in the lane. It will also be appropriate to salute its family aspects, with increased habitability, particularly at the rear, and a trunk which grows by more than 70 liters to reach a volume of 504 liters, almost as much as a Peugeot 3008, a benchmark in the material.

VERDICT

If you are put off by the Peugeot 3008 that you see on every street corner or you are not a fan of the design of Korean productions, the new Qashqai may appeal to you. Well equipped, with cheerful handling, it will make you happy behind the wheel. This version with CVT gearbox is certainly not the best and needs to be tried before buying. In two-wheel drive, the 140 hp and manual gearbox livery is perhaps more appropriate.