Overview

The Nissan Qashqai was described by the Japanese firm as a crossover – in other words a cross between a normal hatchback and an off-roader. Such was its influence on the car industry, the term is used across the board these days. It had space and practicality in spades, and as such, it’s emerged as one of the best used cars for less than £5,000.

It was actually an indirect replacement for the Almera and an alternative to cars like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Honda Civic. If you’re after something different from the norm the Qashqai (pronounced Cash-kye) fits the bill perfectly.

Younger rivals such as the Skoda Yeti are arguably a better buy, but the Qashqai is still extremely popular, and for good reason. All versions of the Nissan Qashqai were well equipped, comfortable and good to drive. Four-wheel drive derivatives are available but the majority of models in the UK are standard front-wheel drive.

The Qashqai was also a very British car – it was designed and developed in the UK and is built at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland. More than 2.0 million examples have been produced since the car was launched in 2007.

A selection of five engines is available. There’s petrol power in the shape of a 1.6-litre engine making 115bhp and 157Nm of torque, pulling the Qashqai to 62mph in 11.9 seconds with a top speed of 113mph.

There was also a 2.0-litre petrol engine which makes 138bhp and 138Nm, hitting 62mph in 10.1 seconds with a top speed of 121mph.

The diesel engines consist of a 1.5-litre dCi unit making 109bhp and 240Nm, hitting 62mph in 12.4 seconds and 110mph flat-out; a 1.6-litre version making 128bhp and 320Nm, meaning 62mph is possible in 10.3 seconds and top speed is 118mph; and finally a 2.0-litre diesel making 148bhp and 320Nm meaning a sprint to 62mph in 11 seconds and a top speed of 117mph. The latter two diesel engines were available with both two- and four-wheel-drive.

In 2010 the Nissan Qashqai received a refresh with a new front end, suspension tweaks, extra sound insulation and weight reduction. A ‘Pure Drive’ model that delivers less emissions and improved fuel economy was also introduced.

Does it have what it takes to carve out a niche in a used car market dominated by some of the best-selling models of the time? Read on for the full and comprehensive Nissan Qashqai review to find out.