Nissan’s compact Qashqai crossover is back for its second model year in Canada with no changes. This is a vehicle that came here from Europe, where it has been a popular seller for a number of years; it’s also sold in the U.S., but as the Rogue Sport.
That name illustrates this model’s link to that largest member of Nissan’s small SUV family, which sees the Qashqai bracketed by the larger, three-row Rogue and the all-new Kicks subcompact.
Like the Rogue, the Qashqai is a handsome vehicle with a nicely done interior, though this smaller model’s lower price point comes through in cabin materials that are a little less refined than the Rogue’s.
Power is from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 141 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque. Front-drive models start with a six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a continuously variable automatic. Opt for AWD and the automatic is standard.
Competition comes in the form of cars like the Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi RVR and Mazda CX-3.
Available in S, SV and SL trims, the Qashqai’s standard safety kit includes a backup camera and tire pressure monitoring. Nissan adds forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring to the SV model, and the SL gains moving object detection and the option of lane departure warning and intelligent lane intervention.
S trim level includes automatic headlamps with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers,, LED daytime running lights, power heated exterior mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, power windows, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, 60/40 split folding rear bench seat, 5.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, display audio system with four-speaker AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth, text messaging assistant, and Siri Eyes-Free for control of iPhones.
SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, remote engine starter, proximity key, cruise control, satellite radio, LED headlamps, and the Divide-N-Hide cargo organizer system.
The SL trim level swathes the seats in leather upholstery, and adds a six-way power driver’s seat, a 7.0-inch navigation system with Mobile Apps, 360-degree parking camera, silver roof rails, and 19-inch wheels with painted pockets.
Fuel consumption estimates for FWD/manual transmission models are 10.0/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway), while FWD/automatic versions are rated 8.8/7.3. Add AWD and consumption increases nominally to 9.0/7.5.
