Used Nissan Qashqai cars available

Why buy a Qashqai?Back to top

The Nissan Qashqai range is versatile and highly practical.

One of the most popular cars in the Nissan fleet, the success of the Qashqai is testament to the fact that drivers' needs are constantly changing. The market for a car smaller than an MPV, slightly bigger than a supermini, and styled like a mini SUV may not have existed a decade ago, but it does now, and the Qashqai's mix of practicality, style and refinement makes it one of the leading models in it.

Compared to some of its rivals - largely in the family hatchback market - the Qashqai has an abundance of space. Considerably bigger than the luggage space offered in the Golf or Focus, the Qashqai's 410 litre boot places it slightly behind its bigger rivals in the mini SUV class, but remains impressive for a car of its size. The Qashqai +2 manages to fit in an extra two seats in the back, but these are compact and really only for small children or adults on short journeys. With these two extra seats folded down however, the luggage space is considerable. Inside the cabin the quality of finish is high, which lends a feel of luxury to the Qashqai not commonly found in other small family cars.

There are a good mix of diesel and petrol engine options, including 1.6 and 2.0 sizes in both, as well as a 1.5 litre diesel. The 1.6 petrol manages better on city driving than it does on the motorway, but the two 2.0 litre options pack decent levels of power, and both come with with an automatic gearbox (the petrol also come with a manual option). There is a 4WD drive option available, but being more of a family hatch than a SUV, it doesn't offer much more than the 2WD does.

Despite the car's shape and size, the ride on the Qashqai is reassuringly smooth. Good suspension means it flows over uneven roads with ease, while clever engineering allows for a surprising amount body roll without causing discomfort.

Efficiency is good for a crossover, but doesn't quite offer returns as attractive as the hatchbacks it wants to compete with. That said, claimed returns of around 50 to 60mpg on the 1.6 diesel - the most frugal option - are not to be sniffed at, nor are its CO2 emissions of 119g/km. In the bigger engines the fuel consumption slips down to the mid thirties in the petrol engines and the forties for the diesels, which places it around mid table in its class.

Its safety rating is market leading, though. In 2007 it was awarded the highest ever adult occupant score by Euro NCAP, as well as a very high score in child occupant protection. Along with reliability - as to be expected with any car bearing the Nissan name - the Qashqai is a solid family hatchback which manages to be fun, consistent and practical.