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Many SUV and Crossover now do without all-wheel drive. Of the Nissan Qashqai Most of them are ordered with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive fans will still find what they are looking for here.
With the Qashqai, Nissan achieved a great success for the Japanese brand in 2007. Not too martial or gentle, not too angular or round, not too big or small and the slightly higher seating position: the compact crossover with the bulky name met the taste of customers and became Nissan's bestseller in Europe and Germany. It stayed that way in the second generation (2014 to 2021), and of course the third, which has been available since June, should also follow in these traces of success.
Available again with all-wheel drive
For this purpose, the Japanese have tailored the Qashqai a comparatively brisk sheet metal dress, which is characterized by many edges and beads, accentuated wheelhouses and a slightly sloping roof line. In combination with the striking illuminated graphics, the crossover should be noticed in everyday life, but not polarize.
Also in the style of previous generations, Nissan is again offering an all-wheel drive version for the Qashqai. It is available in conjunction with the 116 kW / 158 PS 1,3-liter turbo petrol engine and the continuously variable automatic (CVT) known as Xtronic, and is available in combination with the N-Connecta equipment version from 38.510 euros.
There are 5 driving modes on the new Qashqai
Unlike before, the all-wheel drive system uses a direct clutch instead of an electromechanical clutch. If necessary, this should ensure faster transmission of the drive torque to the rear axle. The driver can choose between five different driving modes. In addition to the standard setting, Eco and Sport are also available. A driving program for snow and off-road can also be selected. Depending on the mode and road conditions, the power is distributed between the front and rear axles.
During the first relaxed test drives through the Taunus on predominantly dry roads and roads monitored by radar controls, this property could only be checked to a limited extent. Most of the time, the display in the cockpit showed that 100 percent went to the front axle. When cornering quickly on some leafy ground, the rear axle was added.
There are also slight differences - depending on whether you are in Eco, Standard or Sport - in the throttle response or in the shift characteristics of the CVT transmission. In sport mode, for example, the automatic reacts a little faster than in Eco or Standard. Speaking of CVT transmissions: Nissan engineers have taken a big step towards better acceptance of this type of automatic. The famous and infamous rubber band effect in unity with howling accompanying music does not occur. The transmission works smoothly and quietly without appearing sleepy. In general, the calm on board is surprising. Even when kicking down to overtake, the volume of the engine-transmission unit remains discreetly restrained.
Lots of space for everyone
The test car drove up in the highest equipment variant Tekna +. The choice of materials and their appearance give no cause for criticism. The space of the 4,43 long crossover is also decent. Only the trunk volume with 436 liters is not exactly lush. In the top version, however, the all-wheel-drive Qashqai costs from 45.220 euros, but has almost everything on board that Nissan offers for the crossover. This includes all assistants, including a traffic jam assistant, and comfort features such as leather seats with massage function, head-up display, a heated windscreen and a Bose system.
Apart from 20-inch rims (500 euros) and a metallic paint (from 600 euros), nothing can be ordered. If you don't want to spend that much money, you are also in good hands with the comfort level N-Connecta. Here, for example, navigation, the 12-inch screen for the infotainment system and the 18-inch model are part of the standard equipment. Most Qashqai customers opt for this equipment line.
If all-wheel drive is not desired, the weaker 103 kW / 140 PS 1,3-liter turbo can also be considered. It is only offered in conjunction with a manual six-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive and costs from 26.390 euros. As an N-Connecta, 33.370 euros are due.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seat compact class SUV; Length: 4,43 meters, width: 1,84 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2,08 meters), height: 1,63 meters, wheelbase: 2,67 meters, trunk volume: 436 - 1.422 liters
1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine, 116 kW / 158 PS, maximum torque: 270 Nm at 1.800 to 3.750 rpm, all-wheel drive, CVT automatic transmission, 0-100 km / h: 9,9 s, Vmax: 198 km / h, Standard consumption: 6,2 liters / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 140 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: B, Price: from 38.510 euros
In brief
Why: The next winter is sure to come
Why not: Front-wheel drive is sufficient in most cases
What else: Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-30, Kia Sportage, Renault Kadjar
When does he come: already available
What's next?: In the summer of 2022 a hybrid version with 190 hp with front-wheel drive