Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Qashqai review - a mature class leader - Engine and Gearbox

Nissan’s genre-defining family focussed crossover might not thrill, but it’s a chart topper regardless.

Evo rating
RRP
from £18,545
  • Neat styling, economical, refined engines and plenty of space
  • It’ll never handle with the verve of a hatchback, a bit mumsy

Engine and gearbox

Standard across the entire range is a 6-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels, only the 1.6 dCi is offered with the choice of front- or four-wheel drive. There’s an optional Xtronic automatic (front-drive only), but despite the offer of manual sequential shifting it’s actually a CVT. That’s fine if you’re in stop-start traffic in downtown Tokyo, but less endearing on faster, open roads in the UK. More so than most CVTs though, it resist holding peak revs for long periods and operates more like a conventional automatic. The CVT is offered on the 1.2 DIG-T petrol and 1.6 dCi turbodiesel, it works better with the latter, thanks in large to its greater torque output. In the 1.2 DIG-T with Xtronic the torque drops from 140lb ft to 121lb ft, contributing to its slovenly 12.9sec 0-62mph time.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The six-speed manual is preferable then. Although the throw of the lever is long, it’s accurate enough to confidently make precise and quick shifts.

   

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Features

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses

Its lineage contains some hot hatch greats, but the late-noughties Civic wasn’t one of them
26 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025
Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025