Qashqai… now that’s a word you’d love to use in scrabble. It gets around the pesky ‘q’ always being followed by a ‘u’ problem and if a malfunction at the Mattel factory ever gave you two q’s in a bag, it would be worth at least 80 points on a triple word score. Bonus.

Nissan’s Qashqai is as impressive a car as it would be at anything-goes scrabble. I’ve always maintained from the first time I drove one, four years ago, that it is perhaps the only ‘crossover’ vehicle sold that is actually worthy of its title. It’s a go anywhere, do anything, tackle everything machine that’s just as comfortable down at your local pub as it is tasting a bit of dust on a weekend adventure. I’ve driven countless models since that first one: diesel, petrol, CVT, all-wheel-drive, face lift, plus two, old n-tec, new n-tec and each time I have, its left me feeling the exact same thing: I can’t help but glance at other road users thinking they’re less well off than I am in my Qashqai.

There’s also something else at play that keeps my flame for the Nissan Qashqai burning bright. I believe Nissan is the only Japanese manufacturer at the moment that is still ‘on point’ with their vehicles. Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Subaru, Mazda, you name them; they’ve all dropped the ball of late. Global recession, the Fukushima disaster, a lack of imagination, a reticent Japanese nature not to innovate and adapt to fast moving market trends, whatever the reason may be, I think Nissan has overtaken all of them in the desirability and innovation stakes. The GT-R, the Juke, the Leaf, the Qashqai even, (but let’s ignore the new, Indian built Micra) these are the sorts of car’s all of Japan should be producing at the moment, but only Nissan is.

However, one can’t endorse one car because of the entire range a manufacturer produces, so let’s get back to the limited edition Qashqai n-tec. It hails from Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK and the quality shows. The limited edition model is available on all petrol powered Qashqai’s – see SACarFan’s review of the 1.6-litre N-Tec – and gives you brushed aluminium roof rails, chrome detailing on the doors and fog lights, pimped out 18-inch wheels, leather seats, and the brilliant glass roof I have on my 2.0-litre Accenta test unit, all for R300 000. I love the aggressive, urban warrior look of the n-tec. It looks like something Missy Elliot might use in a music video.

None of these additions change the driving experience of what’s always been a brilliant car. The 2.0-litre petrol motor is normally aspirated, making 102 kW and 198 Nm, but it’s all mid-range in its power delivery, so it’s silky smooth and an utter joy to rev and hustle through the gears. The diesel models, while suffering from a bit of turbo lag and sounding a bit noisy; are fantastic too it must be said, but the clean rev’s of the petrol engine complement the Qashqai’s dynamics. You’ll be surprised at how rewarding the Qashqai’s handling is. You find yourself really throwing it into corners and relishing the crisp response it gives you out the other side. This model is only two wheel drive and the steering is light and balanced and aside from the occasional wheel spinning launch from the lights if you’re too eager on the throttle, this SUV sized car can be hurled around like the nimblest little hatchback. It’s fantastic.

The Qashqai n-tec rides on a solid layer of grip on those fatter wheels and tyres, and the pitch and roll is nicely tamed considering its ride height. A phenomenon that is fast becoming a feature the urban motorist simply cannot do without, considering our present day driving environment is laden in speed humps, potholes and nasty curbs, the Qashqai just zips over anything set in its path.

Although not laden with gizmos, everything in the Qashqai is fit for purpose and very well screwed together. The conical instrument panel and air vents stretch out of the dash a’la Nissan 370Z and are fetching to behold in an otherwise restrained fascia. The n-tec could do with a USB socket for the stereo and maybe keyless entry, but that’s my only gripe with it. What I like most is how nothing looks or feels like it’s an afterthought. The controls on the steering wheel are exactly where they need to be and are mirrored with cruise control on one side and audio controls on the other. It’s satisfying to operate and always comfortable. The seating position is spot on too.

All in all the Nissan Qashqai n-tec is just a joy to have parked in your driveway, and a joy to use every day. Taking on all comers and being beaten by none. More than that, I wish I could use the Qashqai in scrabble… it’s just that versatile.

What we like…

• Hatchback handling combined with a tall ride height.
• Petrol motor pulls well through all gears and is silky smooth and quiet.
• The n-tec limited edition looks fantastic.
• Brilliantly comfortable interior with cruise control, trip computer and European build quality that is second to none.

What we would like…

• A USB socket for the stereo and keyless entry.

Ray Leathern has been test driving and critiquing cars for four years now. You’ll find his work at autocirca.com, the Mail & Guardian and of course, right here on SACarFan.

Nissan’s mid-size crossover, the Qashqai, will undergo an extensive update this month. In addition to the introduction of the 2010 model and automatic CVT (continuous variable transmission) in April, the 7-Seater Qashqai+2 will make its debut in the South African market in May. Purposefully designed to cater for those who need more space and flexibility, the Qashqai+2 is set to build on the success of Qashqai locally and abroad.

The most notable visual change to the Qashqai is at the front, where an all new bonnet, front bumper, distinct new grille and headlamps give the Qashqai an fresh look with added sophistication and presence.

At the rear, the new rear combi-lamp design with 12 LED stop-tail function, inner reflectors, bright chrome graphic, transparent outer lens and dark chrome bezel finishes adds to the aggressive sporty appeal. In addition, a new aerodynamic spoiler enhances the side profile of the body, with the LED lighting offering a unique signature afterdark.

The 2010 Qashqai features sleek and practical roof rails as standard on the 2,0-litre models and Qashqai +2. The 2,0-litre petrol and diesel models now receive a new set of diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels.

As well as the changes to the front, the Qashqai also receives a number of modifications to improve aerodynamic and fuel efficiency with lower CO2 emissions.

Inside, the 2010 Qashqai features an upgraded design to the main display, for added clarity and legibility. A redesigned drive computer is positioned between the two dials. The computer shows instantaneous and average fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limiter settings among others, providing the driver with an easy to understand interface with the car.

Additional storage has been created for added convenience, with additional storage space at the base of the central cluster, which is ideal for a mobile phone or portable audio player. A new storage space for parking tickets, keys and swipe cards located below the ventilation controls ads to the convenience. Both petrol and diesel, 2,0-litre models also have cruise control added as standard.

Interior comfort has also been improved, thanks to improved protection against noise, vibration and harshness. This has been achieved by adding an all-new multi-layer insulation material around the front bulkhead, as well as the fitment of an ‘acoustic’ windscreen, which reduces the transmission of noise.

At the same it introduces these updates to the Qashqai, Nissan SA is also introducing the even more practical Qashqai+2 to the local lineup. The Qashqai+2 will be available in May and features increased dimensions to accommodate a third row of seats. The larger model still uses the same mechanical layout and promises the same driving experience of the original Qashqai, but with extra space.

Prices include a 3 year/90,000km service plan and a 3 year/100,000km warranty.

A few weeks ago we brought you a test on the Nissan Murano luxury SUV. Following in its footsteps in size at least, is the Nissan Qashqai n-tec, of which just 200 will be available. Smaller and more economical, the Qashqai n-tec continues the Qashqai’s combination of practicality and convenience, but comes with a styling makeover. Nissan’s decision to introduce the limited edition n-tec model stems from the enthusiastic welcome the Qashqai received upon its launch in August 2007 and the continued sales success since, with South Africa boasting over 4 500 Qashqai owners.

Interior
The interior of the standard specification Qashqai n-tec remains unchanged from that of the 2.0 Accentia model. This means cloth seats, a leather covered steering wheel, and convenience functions such as, rain sensing wipers; dual zone climate control; Bluetooth handsfree integration; electrically operated windows; onboard computer; outside temperature display; height adjustable headlights and more.

However, should you specify the optional accessories package your n-tec will also come with leather seats and a ‘infotainment centre’. The leather seats are comfortable – although adjusting the lumbar support is near impossible as the control is located parallel to the B-pillar. A nice touch is the white stitching, as well as ‘Qashqai’ embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

Unfortunately our experience with the infotainment system was not a pleasant one. It’s an aftermarket unit that looks it. The sat-nav didn’t work thanks to a software error and we just didn’t find it an intuitive system to live with. Of concern, is that fact that you can watch TV while the car is in motion – a point that must surely detract from the 5-star Euro-NCAP safety rating and something that should be prevented by automatically turning off the function when the car travels over 5 or 10 km/h. These accessories also come at a price, R17 500 to be exact – Nissan, we suggest you ditch the infotainment and add value with a sunroof instead.

Apart from this isolated niggle, we found the Qashqai offered a very likeable cabin. The air-conditioning works well, there’s enough storage space (410-litres in the boot), passengers have adequate head and legroom, while interior noise levels are acceptable despite the large 18-inch tyres. The styling of the dashboard is uncluttered, almost minimalist in its appeal and the plastics are well put together.

Exterior
It’s on the outside that the Qashqai n-tec sets itself apart from its stablemates. Enhancements include brushed aluminium roof rails, door handles and front grille, tinted glass for the rear windows and a set of 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Qashqai was not a bad looking compact-SUV to begin with and we think the cosmetic changes to the n-tec make it one of the best lookers in its class.

The Drive
The front-wheel-drive Qashqai n-tec surprised us in the handling department. The ride is firm, yet comfortable, and steering is accurate and well weighted, delivering a driving experience as confident as the car looks. With a bigger set of running shoes fitted, the Qashqai is up to the task of hustling through the corners and does so without giving the driver any surprises. A light clutch action, automatically adjustable speed-sensitive powersteering and elevated seating position over that of conventional sedans, makes the Qashqai an easy car to live with around town – where it’ll spend most of its time. Between towns or cities the n-tec cruises comfortably, with low interior noise levels and enough grunt to keep a comfortable cruising speed. Admittedly, the short section of dirt road we covered was in fairly good condition. Nevertheless, the n-tec tracked well, navigated one or two corrugations without a fuss and the interior and luggage areas remained dust free.

Performance
Driven by a 2,0-litre petrol engine with 102 kW and 198 N.m of torque, the Qashqai performs adequately. With power being delivered relatively high up the rev range – peak torque is reached at 4 400 rpm and peak power at 5 200 rpm – one tends to swap cogs to maintain speed on our country roads. Around town however, the Qashqai n-tec rolls along without much effort and will reach 100 km/from pull-away in 10.2 seconds. For what it’s worth, top speed is 192 km/h.

What we like…

• Good looks.
• An appealing vehicle for everyday town driving, capable of exploring dirt roads on the weekends.

What we would like…

• Give us the standard radio/cd and the choice of a sunroof, instead of the aftermarket ‘infotainment’ system.