Author: autoview

Qashqai+2 ownership has just become even more affordable with the introduction of two new wallet-friendly engines to the range. Nissan’s award-winning seven-seater crossover can now be specified with 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel power, in addition to the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units already available.

Starting at £15,495 for the 1.6 Visia, and £16,995 for the 1.5 dCi Visia, the new models deliver the same winning combination of SUV-influenced styling, ‘command’ seating position and genuine driving enjoyment that ticks all the right boxes for families seeking great practicality and plenty of style.

Punchy performance and strong economy make them all the more cost-effective. The 103 PS 1.5-litre dCi models, complete with diesel particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, are capable of an attractive 49.6 mpg combined, while 149 g/km CO₂ means annual VED of just £120 – not bad for a car capable of transporting seven and clocking a 0 to 62mph time of 13.3 seconds while delivering driving flexibility in spades, thanks to 240 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm.

Those who prefer petrol power can instead opt for the feisty 115 PS 1.6-litre unit with five-speed manual which sees 62 mph coming up in a crisp 12.9 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph. It still achieves 40.4 mpg combined and 165 g/km CO₂ places it in tax band D for annual VED of £145.

The top notch equipment levels of these latest Qashqai+2s are virtually identical to 2.0-litre models. In Visia spec that means a huge fixed panoramic glass roof complete with powered sunshade, privacy glass and roof bars plus power windows, air conditioning, drive computer, Bluetooth hands-free, four-speaker CD audio system, six airbags and front seat active headrests. 16 inch alloys are fitted in place of the 17 inch items of 2.0-litre Qashqai+2s.

Acenta models gain 17 inch alloys, a leather trimmed steering wheel and manual gear knob, a centre rear armrest and a choice of interior trim colours. The audio system is upgraded to an in-dash six-disc autochanger, six speakers and steering wheel controls and the air con becomes dual zone and climate controlled. Automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and rear parking sensors complete the package.

Top of the range Tekna gives you the luxury of heated, leather seats with contrasting stitching, the convenience of the Intelligent Key, and the added safety of xenon headlamps and an auto-dimming interior mirror. ESP is an option on all 1.5 and 1.6 models.

And of course Qashqai+2 – named MPV of the Year in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2008 – is all about family-friendly practicality. The ingenious third row seats are ideal for children or occasional use by adults and, when completely folded flat, open up 550 litres of luggage space.

The car’s extra length over the standard Qashqai means second row passengers enjoy increased knee room, while the centre ‘20’ portion of the backrest can be folded forward to act as a large multi-function armrest, complete with two cupholders, a lidded storage box and a power outlet.