In the most expensive 2.0-litre 150PS diesel four-wheel drive form, the Qashqai impresses. The interior’s well built, and while the engine’s harsh under acceleration, it has plenty of power. The car is a revelation to drive, too, belying its high centre of gravity and proving to be balanced. It also offers good steering, body control, gear change and ride quality.
The main question mark is the step up from five- to seven-seat versions. Depending on trim, the +2 is £1600-£1800 more, although that also gives you a standard panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, auxiliary socket and roof rails. The price, however, puts the 2.0-litre diesel up against some of the best family-friendly vehicles in the business.
Three rivals – Volkswagen Touran, Renault Grand Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira – are all more traditional mini-MPV and, beat or at least match the Qashqai+2 on costs, although admittedly the cheaper two-wheel drive +2 wasn’t available to test.
The VW aside, depreciation is on a par with rivals, which means that it’s the CO2 and economy that impacts heavily on the cost per mile figure.
Its CO2 also puts the Qashqai+2 well above the magic capital allowance figure of 160g/km, while the VW and Renault get under it.
Despite that, the +2 is good-looking, well thought-out, and practical. It’s not hard to imagine Nissan having a second Qashqai success on its hands.
