Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai has been ever popular due to constant technology updates and cosmetic tweaks and 2018 sees the latest version of the best selling medium sized SUV, external cahanges are a re-contoured light graphics front and rear, remoulded bumpers, the addition of rectangular (rather than round) fog lamps and shark-fin aerial. Internal changes are more subtle; slightly more premium materials are used in key locations and the only noticeable change is the flat bottomed three-spoke steering wheel. The success of the Qashqai and the small changes will undoubtedly keep the Sunderland production busy.

Four trim levels are available; Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+. The Acenta Premium has LED daytime running lights, 7 inch touchscreen with apple carplay and Tom tom connect, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, 17-inch alloys, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel. The N-Connecta adds 18 inch two tone alloy wheels, privacy glass, 360 degree colour camera, start button and keyless entry/start. Tekna has part leather sports seats, 19 inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, heated seats, heated windscreen and a Bose audio system. Tekna+ adds electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function and 4-way lumbar support and black leather seats. Pro Pilot is avaialble as an add on to Tekna trim and above, You select your desired speed, and the system will maintain a set distance from the car in front. Providing you are travelling at more than 37mph ProPilot will automatically keep you within your chosen lane – with small, subtle steering inputs.

The new 1.3 litre petrol engine was developed in a partnership between the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and Mercedes-Benz. its the same engine as in the Renault Kadjar and new Mercedes A Class. In the Qashqai it is avaialble with 138 bhp or 158 bhp with the larger output you can spec a 7 speed dual clutch Automatic – Hurrah no more CVT. Performance is brisk in all forms, 0-62 for the smaller output is 10.5 seconds which dips to 9.9 seconds as a 158bhp Automatic. Fuel economy is an acceptable 41.4 mpg for the manual car and 40.9 for the auto.

New Qashqai released – Review pending.