Test drive Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T: a look into the future
Test Drive

Test drive Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T: a look into the future

Test drive Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T: a look into the future

An interesting combination for those who don't want the Qashqai to be a two-wheel drive and a diesel engine.

From year to year it becomes more and more obvious that the constantly increasing sales of SUVs and crossovers are being sold for a number of subjective and some objective reasons, but the presence of off-road vehicles is rarely one of them. What's more, more and more customers are clinging to the vision of this type of automotive concept far more than the traction that comes from any kind of all-wheel drive technology.

In the second generation Qashqai, Nissan designers were very careful in developing the stylistic philosophy of the first generation, while engineers made sure that the car had all the technologies that the Nissan-Renault alliance can offer. key decisions. The Nissan Qashqai is based on a modular platform for models with a transverse engine arrangement, the internal designation of which is CMF. For front-wheel drive variants, such as the one under test, there is a rear axle with a torsion bar. Dual transmission models are equipped with multi-link rear suspension.

Confident drive, harmoniously tuned chassis

Even with a basic torsion bar chassis on the rear axle, the Nissan Qashqai impresses with its truly enjoyable driving comfort. The dual chamber dampers have separate channels for short and long bumps and do a very good job of absorbing bumps in the road surface. Another interesting technology is the automatic supply of small impulses of braking or acceleration, which are aimed at balancing the load between the two axles. Naturally, the presence of any technological tweaks does not replace a dual transmission, but for a car with only front-wheel drive and a relatively high center of gravity, the Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T surprises with really good grip even on slippery surfaces, and its behavior is reliable and reliable. Only the feedback from the steering could have been more precise, but the steering wheel is pleasantly light and in keeping with the car's laid-back driving style.

But the most pleasant surprise is the 163 hp engine. 33 horsepower more powerful than the diesel 1.6 dCi, while in comparison with the maximum torque, a self-igniting unit is expected to win with 320 Nm at 1750 rpm versus 240 Nm at 2000 rpm. ... However, this difference only partially shows the real reality, because with the gasoline engine, power is generated much more uniformly, and 240 Newton meters are available in an impressively wide range between 2000 and 4000 rpm. Equipped with direct fuel injection, the petrol engine responds very well to gas, starts pulling confidently from very low revs, is quiet and balanced, and synchronization with the slightly shifting six-speed gearbox is also excellent.

In a direct comparison of fuel consumption, the diesel certainly wins, but not by much - 1.6 dCi with an economical driving style can drop below the six percent mark, and under normal conditions consumes an average of about 6,5 l / 100 km, petrol his brother said during tests, that the average consumption is just over 7 l / 100 km, which is an absolutely reasonable value for a car with Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T parameters. With a price difference of 3600 lv. Fuel consumption can hardly be considered an argument in favor of diesel fuel - the real advantages of a modern 130 hp unit. have more powerful traction and, last but not least, the ability to combine with all-wheel drive, which is currently not available for gasoline models.

Rich and modern equipment

Nissan Qashqai can be considered one of the spacious representatives of the compact SUV segment and should even be defined as one of the most functional among them. The latter manifests itself both in details such as the comfortable Isofix hooks for attaching a child seat and easy passenger access to the cabin, as well as in an unusually rich assortment of assistance systems. These include the surround camera, which shows a bird's eye view of the vehicle and helps the Qashqai maneuver to the nearest centimeter. The camera in question is part of a comprehensive safety measure that includes an assistant to monitor for signs of driver fatigue, an assistant to monitor blind spots, and an assistant to record motion that alerts when objects are reversing. around the car. To these technologies we must add an assistant for collision warning and lane departure warning. Even better news is that each of the systems actually works reliably and helps the driver. Strong and reliable brakes and LED lights also contribute to a high level of safety.

CONCLUSION

The Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T is an extremely good alternative for anyone who doesn't stick with dual drivetrains and a diesel engine. For a front-wheel drive vehicle, the Japanese model exhibits very good traction and solid handling, while the gasoline engine is characterized by harmonious power development, refined mannerisms, confident traction and remarkably low fuel consumption.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

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