Von Jonathan Crouch
introduction
In 2017, with over 2.3 million sales of its Qashqai crossover model on the table, Nissan did everything it could to keep this second-generation version ahead of an increasingly competitive chasing group. So it became smarter, classier, smarter, quieter, better equipped and more refined. Designed and built in the UK, this one has truly earned its #1 status in the segment; Here we will rate the upgraded version of this second generation Qashqai as a used purchase.
Story
Today, our streets are filled with crossover models, compact family-sized SUV-style hatches that combine the practicality of a family five-door with the lifestyle looks of a 4x4. Nissan didn't invent this concept, but they did more than any other brand to perfect it, most notably with this car, the Qashqai. This second-gen version was rejuvenated in 2017 - and we'll consider it a used purchase. It's odd now to imagine what a gamble this model seemed to represent when the first-gen version of this design originally launched in 2007. Suddenly, Nissan showrooms didn't have a traditional Focus-class family hatch to accommodate browsing customers to offer; just a curious but rather appealing-looking contender that offers something different - but not too different - for shoppers bored by more familiar fares. They liked the lifestyle look, the higher riding position, and the added practicality. And were surprised to find few downsides in terms of running costs, driving dynamics and upfront prices. Word spread quickly and it was very soon clear that the Qashqai would be successful far beyond Nissan's wildest dreams. Original plans for the brand's Sunderland factory to produce around 100,000 units per year were quickly revised - and doubled as this range became the most successful in the company's history, winning over 80 different industry awards. By 2014, a handful of competitors seemed to be trying to threaten this car's market dominance, so Nissan upped the game again with the original version of this second-generation design, which fitted into a crossover model range that at the time also included the smaller ones Juke and larger X-Trail models from the brand. Three years later, when every other mainstream brand was inching its way into the sector, the Qashqai was still selling in staggering numbers, with a total of 2.3 million sales on the board and a regular spot in the top four selling cars of any type in our market . Still, Nissan knew improvements were needed - especially in quality and technology. So that's what we've been offered with this slightly revised, rejuvenated model, which has received additional luxury, stricter safety standards and even the option of autonomous driving assistance. The car was further improved in early 2019 with an engine update that saw the introduction of a new-era 1.3-litre DIG-T petrol engine and upgraded 1.5- and 1.7-litre Blue dCi diesel engines . And in this form, this MK2 model was sold until early 2021, when it was replaced by an all-new third-generation design.
what you get
Nissan claimed that the most dramatic improvements made to this facelifted second generation Qashqai were on its exterior, but aside from the more prominent front grille, the other changes are pretty hard to spot. Inside there is a revised steering wheel and more comfortable "Monoform" sports seats with higher backrests, extended bases and tapered shoulders. Plus an updated 7-inch "NissanConnect" infotainment system in the center console with a slightly smarter user interface. Although the rear seats still don't slide or recline, they're positioned to provide reasonable room for your legs, aided in this updated design by slimmer front seatbacks with scratch-resistant plastic trim. In the back there is a 430 liter trunk. Once the seat is flattened, a total of 1,585 liters of fresh air can be released, which is very competitive by class standards.
where to look
There are several things that a used buyer needs to be aware of. Nissan had a publicized failed battery issue that affected many customers; Ask if the car you're looking at has had its battery replaced as a result. If you're looking at a 1.5-litre diesel model, remember that the car will need a timing belt change every five years or 75,000 miles, which will cost around £500. If the car you're looking at is approaching that age and/or mileage, make sure that work has been done - or factor it into the price. The other engines use a timing chain. Some buyers of the 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol variant report that this engine uses a large amount of oil, so check the dipstick level to make sure it's not too low. Some 4WD models may slip out of reverse. We have encountered some issues with timing chain rattling on 1.2 liter petrol models under acceleration. In some cases the stop-start system didn't work properly - and we heard about problems with the parking sensors. The air conditioner needs to be re-fumed regularly, so make sure it's working properly because re-fuming doesn't come cheap. Compressors are also known to fail; They're looking at around £300 for a new one. Otherwise, just look for the usual scratches on the side panels and alloy wheels - and any signs of child damage or luggage scratches inside. There are a few recalls you need to know about. On vehicles built in June 2017, the outside mirror display may not work when the heated rear window is on. VIN plates fitted to some Qashqais featured incorrect combination gross weight (GCW) numbers.
spare Parts
(roughly based on a 2018 Qashqai 1.5 dCi - Ex Vat) An oil filter is in the £6 to £14 price range. An air filter costs between £10 and £23. A fuel filter is in the £50-£56 bracket. A pollen filter costs between £11 and £13. The front pads cost between £21 and £37. The rear pads are in the £40 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £68-£106 bracket; rear discs are £54-£150 in brackets. A pair of wiper blades costs around £20. A radiator costs around £194. A water pump costs around £21-£92. A headlamp costs around £222.
Traveling
If there's one thing the original first-generation Qashqai model is remembered for, it's the way it revolutionized the dynamic responses that avid drivers could expect from a car of this ilk. Not much has changed in that regard in the transition to this second generation design and the other small improvements made to this revised version by the Nissan engineering team in Cranfield, Bedfordshire have established this crossover SUV as one of the benchmark Models established class on asphalt. SEAT's rival Ateca still set a high standard in terms of driving dynamics during this period, but improvements to the steering allowed Nissan to close the gap on its Spanish competitor, aided by 'Active Trace Control', a system that helps to put the power through the corners. Where this Qashqai class leader remained was in the areas of handling and refinement, both of which have been further improved in this revised model. It's the quietest car in the class from that era, and we particularly like the clever Active Ride Control system, which subtly pats the brakes over bumps that might otherwise cause the body to tip over. As for the engines, almost all buyers will still opt for the entry-level 1.2-liter 115 hp DIG-T petrol engine. Or opt for the 1.5-litre dCi diesel variant, which sets benchmarks in terms of efficiency in this segment from that time with 74.3 MPG in the combined cycle and 99 g/km CO2 (both NEDC values). The 1.2-liter DIG-T unit was replaced by a 1.3-liter DIG-T unit in 2018. Other engine options include a 163hp 1.6 DIG-T petrol engine or the 1.6-litre dCi-130 diesel engine, which you'll need if you're one of the few Qashqai buyers who love Nissan's 'ALL -MODE 4x4i" all-wheel drive system want to select . The 1.6 dCi was replaced by a 1.7 dCi in 2018. Only the base petrol and top diesel could be ordered by original buyers with the option of the company's “Xtronic” CVT automatic transmission.
In total
Building a crossover vehicle is easy. Building a Qashqai as good as this is a lot harder, competitors have found. Renault copied almost everything from its rival Kadjar and still didn't quite get it right. SEAT's Ateca came closer, but still didn't come close to matching that car's sales numbers. Nissan didn't have to do much to keep this second-gen design up to date - and it didn't - but the changes made were enough to keep this car ahead of most models in the chasing pack. This revised post-2017 era version of the MK2 model was a little smarter to look at, a little nicer to sit on and the safety tech was upgraded. In summary, this was a car from a brand that knew its market well. It's still a benchmark from that era. And it's still a starting point for anyone buying a 20127-2020 era model in this segment.