Nissan QASHQAI N-Tec 2018 Review

The Qashqai has been a true success story for Nissan since it replaced the Dualis in 2014.

These days, with an update freshly arrived, it continues to sell strongly against the likes of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and the newly-arrived Hyundai Kona in the compact SUV segment.

Here we’re testing the top-spec N-Tec, which will actually be replaced around July by a model dubbed the Ti. Priced at $36,490, it is one of the most expensive models offered by a mainstream manufacturer in this segment.

The N-Tec is filling in until Nissan’s intelligent cruise control gets sorted and the Ti starts chugging down the assembly line.

Apart from that feature, the only other differences from N-Tec to Ti when the changeover happens are the addition of Nappa leather-accented seat trim and Intelligent Lane Intervention (and a bump in price to $37,990).

So, if you find yourself shopping for a Ti in a few months and stumble across this test, don’t worry it’s still very relevant.

What do you get?

All Qashqais are five-seat, five-doors powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 106kW/200Nm four-cylinder petrol engine (the diesel’s been dropped) that drives the front wheels only. So it’s more of a tall hatchback than true off-roader, something emphasised further by the space-saver spare tyre.

If you want all-paw grip in a Nissan soft-roader, look to the larger X-Trail.

There are three model grades – ST, ST-L and N-Tec, but only the ST can be had with a manual transmission. The other two come standard with Nissan’s XTronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a claimed 6.9L/100km fuel consumption rate.

The most important additions to the specification list are the autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. Both features are standard on all models, whereas the old Ti got LDW.

These crucial safety features are added to a five-star ANCAP rating from 2017 that applies to all updated models, as well as six airbags and a reversing camera.

Less importantly but more obviously, all Qashqais get an exterior styling update that includes Nissan’s V-motion grille, hologram badge and revised bumper, bonnet and headlights.

High-end N-Tec features include LED headlights, auto-on headlights, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, blind spot monitoring, park assist, driver fatigue warning, rear cross traffic alert and mood alert. It shares a really helpful 360-degree around-view monitor with the ST-L.

Surprisingly, there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility offered with N-Tec or any Qashqai.

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What’s the wheel story?

There is one more N-Tec feature worth highlighting separately; 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Nissan’s obviously got a very sporty spot reserved for the N-Tec (and Ti) in the Qashqai range, because it’s a pretty aggressive wheel and tyre combination.

Nissan’s also introduced new spring rates, re-tuned dampers and thicker sway bars to the independent suspension across the range to firm up the ride and improve body control when cornering.

In the N-Tec the low-profile rubber and the new suspension tune act as a double whammy for comfort. What was previously a pretty calm and comfortable riding car has become firmer, sometimes harsh and even jittery over especially rough surfaces.

That especially applies at low speeds. It’s an odd tuning choice considering this is a vehicle that will spend much of its time pottering around city roads.

The big tyres also produce noticeable tyre noise over coarse surfaces, which deducts from the pleasantness of the driving experience and works against a series of noise-quelling measures such as thicker rear glass which are introduced with the new Qashqai.

But the Qashqai does handle well and body rolls less than before. Its electric-assist steering has also been retuned and it definitely points in the right direction. Reflecting its true purpose in life, it steers lightly at low speeds in normal mode, which is a boon for car parks. In sport mode, it heavies up but that’s about all.

A feature dubbed Active Trace Control claims to aid cornering by braking individual wheels. Another feature, Active Ride Control, claims to improve ride on undulating surfaces by applying brake and torque. Both are carry-over features and both remain hard to detect.

Intent and reality diverge much more in the powertrain. The engine is no firecracker and combined with the CVT and a 1429kg kerb weight it’s a bit of a fizzer.

Nissan’s obviously aware of that because it’s tuned the N-Tec to have really prompt step-off throttle response. It’s definitely a boon at the traffic lights against those pesky low-blow turbos with all that bottom-end torque.

The CVT has a manual mode but it’s changes are so slurry and slow it’s not worth engaging. Instead, just let it rev away and do its thing. The only weird thing then is the Qashqai feels like its surges forward in waves rather than in smooth way.

Fuel economy on test came out at 7.9L/100km which is about what you’d expect.

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The Inside story

Measuring up at 4394mm long, 1806mm wide and 1595mm high, the Qashqai is a generous size for this category. It’s certainly more user-friendly than the CX-3, which has less rear-seat and storage space.

Two adults are accommodated comfortably in the back seat, or it can be folded to boost luggage space from 430 litres to as much as 1598 litres. That equates to a full-size MTB with the front wheel removed.

Speaking of storage spaces, there’s plenty up-front including a lidded centre console bin, glovebox, two cupholders and small door bins. There are also door grabs, one-touch windows (also in the rear) and a smattering of soft-touch dashboard trim and piano black to make it all feel that little more up-market.

Further emphasising the sporty theme is a flat-bottomed steering wheel, adorned with buttons for media and cruise controls

There’s a comprehensive readout between the two analogue instrument dials that includes a digital speedo and a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen housed within the centre stack that includes sat-nav and other displays including digital radio.

In the back seat there are overhead grabs, dual seat-back pockets, bottle holders in both doors and cupholders in the centre fold-down armrest (an N-Tec-only feature), three top tethers and two ISOFIX points. There are no adjustable air-conditioning vents located in the rear of the centre console, which is a black mark.

The boot has a removable two-panel floor, storage bins on either side, but no nets for securing small items like shopping.

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Qashqai downlow

The Qashqai has always seemed like a good idea well-executed.  The N-Tec probably pushes it out of that comfortable place.

The big wheels and tyres and stiffer suspension are answering a question it’s hard to imagine many people are asking.

If you like the Qashqai, back-to-back the ST-L with its 18s against the N-Tec (or Ti when it comes) and see what you think.

2018 Nissan Qashqai N-Tec pricing and specifications:
Price: $36,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 106kW/200Nm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Fuel: 6.9L/100km
CO2: 159g/km
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP)