Nissan Qashqai SUV 2013-2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews

Summary

The Nissan Qashqai is praised for its ease of entry, quality interior, and practical features like the cable guide under the armrest. While the design and infotainment system could be more advanced, the car offers a comfortable ride with innovative safety features like autonomous emergency braking. The Qashqai, though not the most spacious in its class, is a good long-distance cruiser with a choice of efficient engines, but the smaller diesel is recommended for its balance of performance and fuel economy.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Nissan Qashqai is a popular car due to its high sales volume.
• 👴 It offers a raised driving position, beneficial for those with limited flexibility, such as the elderly.
• 🏠 The interior of the Qashqai feels quality-made with solid materials and a well-assembled design.
• 🔄 The car's design could be more adventurous, but it is generally satisfactory.
• 🔌 Under the central armrest, there are thoughtful guides for threading mobile phone cables to prevent snagging.
• 📡 The Qashqai's equipment levels are good, but not as comprehensive as some competitors like the Kia Sportage.
• 👶 All models come with autonomous emergency braking, enhancing safety for precious cargo, like children.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The rear seats are roomy enough for adults, but not as spacious as some competitors like the Hyundai Tucson.
• 🧳 The boot is larger than a typical small family hatchback but has less capacity than main crossover rivals.
• 🔧 The car features practical elements like a reversible false floor and a parcel shelf that can be stowed away.
• 🛠️ The Qashqai has innovative features such as a rear view camera with a wash and blow dry facility, NASA-assisted front seats for spinal protection, and a safety shield system.
• 🏎️ The car's suspension is adept at handling both large and small bumps, contributing to a comfortable ride.
• 🌬️ While there is some wind noise at speed, overall visibility is good, with the exception of a blind spot created by the A-pillar.
• 💨 The Qashqai is a good long-distance cruiser with a choice of two turbo petrol or diesel engines, with the 1.5L diesel being a recommended option for most buyers.
• 🔄 The infotainment system is somewhat sluggish, but the car offers a comfortable travel experience with great safety features.

Q & A

Why is the Nissan Qashqai referred to as 'cash Kai' in the transcript?

The term 'cash Kai' is a playful mispronunciation of 'Qashqai' used by the speaker, possibly to emphasize the car's popularity and commonality.

What makes the Nissan Qashqai easy to get into according to the script?

The raised driving position of the Nissan Qashqai makes it easy to get into, which is particularly handy for those who are a bit inflexible, such as the elderly.

How does the interior of the Nissan Qashqai feel in terms of quality?

The interior of the Nissan Qashqai feels like a quality product with nice materials and a solid construction.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the design of the Nissan Qashqai's interior?

The reviewer thinks that the design of the Nissan Qashqai's interior could have been more adventurous, but overall it is acceptable.

What feature under the central armrest of the Nissan Qashqai is appreciated by the reviewer?

The reviewer appreciates the little guides under the central armrest where you can thread the cable for your mobile phone, preventing it from snagging when the armrest is put down.

How does the Nissan Qashqai compare to the Kia Sportage in terms of equipment levels?

The Nissan Qashqai does not offer as much equipment for the same price as the Kia Sportage, for example, the entry-level Qashqai lacks DAB digital radio.

What standard safety feature does the Nissan Qashqai come with that is highlighted in the script?

All Nissan Qashqai models come with autonomous emergency braking, which is a great feature for carrying precious cargo like children.

How does the Nissan Qashqai perform in terms of practicality for passengers and cargo?

The Nissan Qashqai is roomy enough for adults in the back and has a boot larger than a typical small family hatchback, but it is not as spacious as some of its main crossover rivals.

What unique feature does the Nissan Qashqai have for its rear view camera?

The rear view camera of the Nissan Qashqai has its own wash and blow dry facility, which helps to keep the camera clear of water droplets.

How does the Nissan Qashqai's suspension system handle different types of bumps?

The Nissan Qashqai's dampers can cope with both long slow bumps and lots of little fast bumps, and the system breaks the front and back wheels sequentially over a bump to help level the car.

What engine options are available for the Nissan Qashqai and what does the reviewer recommend?

The Nissan Qashqai is available with two turbo petrol or two turbo diesel engines. The reviewer recommends the 1.5L diesel engine for most people due to its balance of performance and fuel efficiency.