• No Qashqai is particularly pricey to run
• Smaller diesel manages 138g/km of CO2
• Even the sprightliest petrol is cost-effective

What are the running costs?

A big part of the Nissan Qashqai’s popularity has to be its low running costs. Newer models are better, as reducing CO2 goes hand-in-hand with better efficiency, but none are quite as efficient as the latest model. Still but a used Qashqai has the advantage of being less complex than the 2022-on models, which rely more on hybrid technology.

It sounds like a small engine for a big car, but the 1.3-litre DIG-T engine should be good for 38-40mpg in either 140hp and 160hp form. That includes the automatic DCT version. The lowest CO2 emissions are also found with the petrol models, if you’re looking for cheaper road tax (VED). 

Diesel models should achieve more than 40mpg in everyday use – again, including the automatic, although it’s less economical than the manual. AWD versions fully disconnect so are front-wheel drive unless extra grip is needed. That means there’s not much impact on economy there, but you’ll see a penalty if towing as the engines have to work hard.

Servicing and insurance

Nissan increased the service intervals for the 1.3-litre petrol engine, to every 18,000 miles instead of 12,500 miles. We’d stick to the more frequent option, with good quality oil – especially now the car’s warranty has expired. If you find more frequent changes in the service history, that’s a good sign. Nissan also says the Mk2 Qashqai has better mechanical access, which should lower your servicing costs compared to a Mk1 Qashqai.

With the Vision Pack of safety equipment fitted, insurance grouping is four bands lower than the equivalent version of the old Qashqai, so this crossover shouldn’t cost a bomb to insure either.

Reliability

• Nissan Qashqai feels solidly built
• But there have been some reliability issues
• Three-year warranty from new

Many drivers expect the Qashqai to be a reliable car, simply because Nissan is a Japanese car manufacturer – and common knowledge dictates Japanese cars don’t break. But the Mk2 Qashqai isn’t as dependable as its reputation would suggest. It’s actually been subject to five recalls and isn’t quite the bulletproof family car many think it is. Even so, it’s a straightforward car for routine maintenance such as changing the windscreen wipers.

Check the government’s DVSA website to understand what issues the Mk2 Qashqai has been recalled for. The good news is that if you’re buying a used example, any recall work should have already been carried out.