Road Test: Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta CVT

The latest Nissan Qashqai crossover has been extensively revamped since it was introduced four years ago and the local lineup has been expanded with the introduction of the optional CVT transmission (exclusive to the Qashqai 2.0-litre petrol).

But although the Qashqai n-tec, which was sold as a limited edition of 200 units, seemingly paved the way for the newest Qashqai, the updated vehicle is about more than merely a facelift and one additional model derivative. Nissan recognises the Qashqai as a key model. Director Marketing Sales and Aftersales of Nissan SA, Johan Kleynhans, says, “These mid-life revisions have made the Qashqai range more appealing to an even wider market, while upping its game in the eyes of the market it was already enjoying massive success. Nissan was very careful in the tweaking of this model not to lose any of this core appeal,”.

The most notable visual change to the Qashqai is at the front, where a complete makeover has taken place. An all-new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps combine to give the Qashqai a more polished and sophisticated look.

The front edge of the bonnet, where it meets the headlamps, is shaped to come over the light, giving a tighter, more precise finish. The lower bumper area has been reshaped around the air intake, to optimise airflow to the radiator. A more aggressive headlamp shape is flatter than the previous design and appears as if it’s wrapped around the front corner of the car. Apart from the aesthetic value, an added benefit of all these changes is an improvement in overall aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the shape of the lights remain unchanged, but a cleaner lens design has been adopted, with the reversing lights and turn indicators, being clear, while the brake and tail lights (positioned below), are red. Additionally, the stop lamp operates using 12 LEDs for added clarity.

All 2.0-litre models (both petrol and diesel) benefit from a set of diamond-cut 18-inch alloys carried over from the n-tec model. The Qashqai is now also equipped with roof-rails as standard, giving it a more appealing SUV look.

Inside, the changes are subtle, yet enough to offer a more premium feel over the previous generation.

There is a new, cleaner design to the main dials, which improves their clarity and legibility, thanks in part to white lettering on a black background. In addition the dials are surrounded with chrome bezels. Additional storage areas have been added to the cabin, ideal for necessities like your keys and cellphones. It’s just a pity then that a 1,5-litre bottle of water almost fits inside the storage compartment below the front arm rest – but it bars access to the Aux-In connector and prevents the armrest from resting horizontally in the process.

Attention has been paid to reducing noise, vibration and harshness levels. This has been achieved by adding a multi-layer insulation material around the front bulkhead, as well as the fitment of an ‘acoustic’ windscreen and revised window seals around the A-pillar, which all contribute to reduced noise levels. One item, which seemed to rattle in defiance of these measures was the height adjustable seatbelt mechanism, which vibrated non-stop on anything but the smoothest tarmac. Thankfully we had some Prestik on hand to alleviate the rattling in the driver’s right ear.

Adult passengers, both front and rear, enjoyed sufficient space and were comfortable during our 1 100 kilometre weekend getaway. With a ride height of 200 mm, visibility is good from within the cabin, however the sloping roofline towards the rear, coupled with the slightly narrower rear windows meant rear passengers had a limited view on occasion.

A boot capacity of 410-litres means the Qashqai easily swallows a family’s luggage for the weekend too.

From a driver’s perspective the controls are easily accessible. The same can be said for working with the on-board computer and its information on fuel consumption, trip computer, etc. The interior is roomier than the car’s exterior dimensions may suggest and a number of luxury and convenience functions are on-hand to make the driving experience more enjoyable. Standard equipment includes cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic height adjustment for the headlights, automatic folding side mirrors and 6-speaker CD/Radio with bluetooth connectivity to name a few.

The Qashqai’s 200 mm ride height provides enough clearance to explore dirt roads or bush tracks, but it is a front-wheel drive vehicle, so put that image of driving up and down Namibia’s sand dunes aside. On tarmac the compact-SUV’s firm suspension limits body roll and serves up levels of grip beyond what most drivers will require, but on the dirt it means corrugations are easily felt from within the cabin. The power-assisted steering is light and responds accurately to inputs, while the 10.6 metre turning circle (the same as the smaller Polo Vivo hatchback for example) takes the effort out of 3-point turns and parking.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 102 kW at 5 200 r/min and 198 Nm of torque at 4 400 r/min, but with 1 960 kilograms to haul, it requires some assistance from the gearbox to place it in the upper rev-range for overtaking or maximum acceleration. Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) trades a mechanically-defined set of gear ratios for a system that adjusts to the best ratio required for any driving situation. However, the CVT transmission seemed a little eager to please and sent the revs soaring with every dab of the accelerator pedal. On long haul journeys, cruise control takes the effort out of throttle inputs, but the CVT made a meal out of all but the smallest inclines. The benefit of the CVT transmission is the smooth nature in which it accelerates the vehicle. The transmission is also equipped with a ‘manual mode’ that allows the driver to select a preset ratio (a 4th or 5th gear equivalent for example) and hold it until the rev limiter is reached, where after it selects the next highest ratio.

Being a family-oriented vehicle safety plays an important role in the Qashqai’s list of talents. As such, the vehicle boasts a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. The driver is assisted by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as well as EBD (Emergency Brakeforce Distribution) in the event of an emergency-braking situation. This system is further assisted by an ESP (Electronic Stability Program) for added safety.

In short, the Qashqai continues to be one of the best looking compact-SUV’s available and beyond its good looks, it provides a competent driving experience coupled with the versatility and practicality required by families or those with active lifestyles. However,  the CVT transmission isn’t for everyone and we prefer the 6-speed manual alternative, which also represents better value at R289 300.

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