Test drive Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi 4 × 4: First in the class of SUV models
For 100 kilometers, the Nissan crossover showed what it is capable of
Nissan's second-generation crossover is no less popular than the first. A 1.6 dCi 4 × 4 Acenta covered 100 kilometers in the marathon test of our editorial office. And it turned out to be the most reliable SUV model of all time.
In fact, you don't need to read any further. The Nissan Qashqai completed the marathon test as daily and unobtrusively as it began. With zero defects. Noisy appearances are alien to its nature - Nissan's SUV model prefers to stand in the background and do what it can best - be an unobtrusively good car.
Qashqai Acenta with a base price of 29 euros
On March 13, 2015, Qashqai entered the service with the Acenta equipment, a diesel engine with 130 hp. and double transmission - for a base price of 29 euros. It was paid only for two additional extras - navigation system Connect for 500 euros and paint Dark Gray Metallic for 900 euros. This shows, firstly, that good cars do not necessarily have to be expensive and secondly, that the relatively affordable version of the Acenta is by no means too scarce.
Blurred H7 lights
As for the lights, however, we might have had to choose a more expensive option, because the standard halogen headlights shine quite dimly at night - at least if we compare them with modern LED lighting systems. Fully LED lights are available for Qashqai only as part of the expensive Tekna equipment (for an additional charge of about 5000 euros). Many other nice ingredients are already available in the Acenta version - among them is the seat heating. However, some users rated its action as too timid. More important than the tempered seat parts, however, are other standard features of the Qashqai Acenta, such as the driver assistance package with emergency stop assistants, high beam and lane-keeping assist, as well as exterior light and rain sensors.
It seems that none of the many users felt the lack of something significant - only very rarely some of the drivers in the winter want heating on the windshield, because the standard automatic air conditioner needs some time to dry the glass. Instead, navigation reaped praise. Easy management and fast route calculation have been identified as strengths that help you swallow the lack of real-time traffic information. Connecting via Bluetooth to a phone and media player also turned out to be very easy, and there are no comments regarding digital radio reception.
No accidents for 100 kilometers
Why are we telling you this at length now? Because otherwise there is almost nothing to say about Qashqai. For a year and a half and a little over 100 kilometers, not a single damage was registered. Neither one. The wiper blades had to be changed only once - which makes 000 euros. And 67,33 liters of oil were added between service sessions. Nothing else.
Low tire and brake wear
The extremely good cost balance is also due to the restrained fuel consumption (7,1 l / 100 km on average for the whole test), as well as the very low tire wear. The factory-fitted Michelin Primacy 3 remained on the car for almost 65 km and even then had retained 000 percent of the tread depth. In the winter, a Bridgestone Blizzak LM-20 Evo kit was used, which after 80 km can work in the next cold season, as it has preserved 35 percent of the depth of the patterns. Both sets of tires have a standard size of 000/50 R 215 H.
The Nissan model showed similar frugality with regard to the elements of the braking system. Only the front pads had to be replaced, only once. Excluding the wiper blades, this remained the only repair to replace consumables, with the price amounting to 142,73 euros.
Qashqai also received critical remarks
Before you think that we have hit it off with endless praise, we will mention some features of Qashqai, which received more criticism than approval. This is especially true for the comfort of the suspension. "Jumps", "very uncomfortable without load" and other similar expressions are found in the notes in the test diary. Especially with the short bumps that are often found on German highways, the Nissan model handles in a rather imperfect way. At the same time, the rear axle transmits strong thrusts to the body. With a higher load, the reactions become a little more discreet, but not really good. In this respect, the Nissan-specific driving comfort control system (standard on the Acenta level) also makes some changes, which should counteract the sinking and rocking of the body by means of a purposeful and smooth brake pressure. However, the fact that the Nissan model is often praised as a "very good car for long journeys" is due, among other things, to the long mileage on a single charge (over 1000 km in economical driving) and the good seats.
Insufficient luggage space
They turn out to be narrow only for the emphatically large members of the editorial board. However, everyone else could criticize the complex regulatory mechanisms. Electric seat adjustment is only available for more expensive versions of equipment.
Some of the critical remarks concern the cargo space, which is a bit insufficient for four people. With a capacity of 430 liters and almost 1600 liters of maximum capacity, however, it is common for a car of this class - almost no other compact SUV model offers much more. Most testers appreciate the interior space that the model provides to passengers.
First place for Qashqai
There are almost no negative remarks about the bike - except that it feels like a slight turbo hole and that the gear lever does not switch with a sporty short stroke. We can come to terms with this - and in view of the low cost and other positive qualities, such remarks sound like a whim.
There are no obvious problems with traction - although the dual transmission mode in the Qashqai includes rear-wheel drive (via a clutch) only when there is an increased need for traction. Most customers give up the expensive double transmission anyway (2000 euros); 90 percent buy their Qashqai only with front-wheel drive, moreover, the 4x4 option is only available in the diesel version with 130 hp.
The popularity of the compact Nissan can be judged by the residual value of the test car. At the end of the marathon test, it was valued at 16 euros, which corresponds to 150 percent obsolescence - and according to this indicator, Qashqai ranks far ahead. Even so, with zero damage, it ranks first in its class in the reliability rankings.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is not easy to find weaknesses in Nissan Qashqai. If we do not count the mediocre driving comfort and partly the cheap-looking materials in the interior, only positive moments can be noted here. The impressions from the dim light of the halogen headlights are not so good. Fully LED lights are only available with the top-of-the-line Tekna equipment (standard). Navigation (1130 euros) received good reviews, excluding a system crash. Some perceived as quite hesitant the effect of seat heating, which is part of the standard equipment.
This is how readers rate the Nissan Qashqai
In February 2014, I bought my Qashqai Acenta 1.6 dCi with 130 hp as a new car. Initially, I had a look at a BMW X3, which in terms of equipment would be twice as expensive. Since then, in less than two years, I have traveled 39 km. After many years in which I drove without exception, the so-called premium German brands, I wanted to try if something would work if I gave much less money. And it turned out surprisingly well. So far, the car is running without any defects, only shortly after the purchase had to re-record the software of the navigation system. By the way, the navigation for 000 euros works better than the one in my previous car (BMW), which cost 800 euros. The engine with 3000 hp gains speed willingly, pulls powerfully, has a fairly quiet and even ride and is quite sufficient for everyday driving. In addition, it is extremely economical. So far, I've used an average of exactly 130 liters of diesel per 5,8 km, although I drive quite vigorously on highways and ordinary roads.
Peter Chrysel, Furth
Here is my experience with the new Nissan Qashqai: on April 1, 2014 I registered my Qashqai 1.6 dCi Xtronic. He worked without problems for four whole weeks, then the blows began to pour in one after another. In a short time, a total of nine defects embittered my life with this car: squeaky brakes, paint damage during the transition between the windshield and roof, defective accelerator pedal sensor, crazy parking sensors, failure of navigation, rattling when accelerating and other surprises required a total of nine days in service, during which four damages were permanently removed. With the help of a lawyer and expertise, I asked an expert to cancel the purchase contract, which was initially denied to me by the customer service department. Only one e-mail to the management of the importing company, containing all the data and facts, led to a quick solution to the problem. The car was taken back after seven months and about 10 kilometers.
Hans-Joachim Grunewald, Khan
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Economical, very quiet and evenly running motor
+ Well-graded manual transmission
+ Suitable for long travel seats
+ Enough space in the cabin
+ Extremely safe behavior on the road
+ Well made, durable interior
+ Good overview in all directions
+ Efficient air conditioning
+ Seamless USB connection
+ Fast, easy to manage navigation system
+ Practical reversing camera
+ High mileage on a single charge
+ Low wear of tires and brakes
+ Low costs
- Limited suspension comfort
- Mediocre lights
- Steering without sense of the road
- Impractical seat adjustment
- Emphasized weakness when starting
- Slow-responsive seat heating
Conclusion
In fact, there are no much better cars on the market for everyday use at a price of around 30 euros. The compact Nissan shines not only with its literally flawless damage index, but it is also very economical and shows a very sparing attitude to wear parts. Only once did the front brake pads need to be replaced, one set of winter and one summer tires proved to be enough for the entire marathon run, and both gaskets were not completely worn out. Against this background, the insufficient comfort of the suspension and the weak engine when starting look like weaknesses of character that can be forgiven.
Text: Heinrich Lingner
Photos: Peter Wolkenstein
