Vehicle: 2011 Nissan Qashqai+2
Price as tested: CDN$36800 (Estimated)
Performance: Even though Qashqai’s name is hard to understand, its performance figure definitely isn’t. The QQ is sourced by the same 2.0 liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinders with Nissan’s CVTC or their advanced variable valve timing technology. The result is this 4 banger is able to produce 139hp and 146 lb/ft of torque motivating a porky 3254 lb of metal. Despite of all those weight carries around, QQ is able to manage its performance accordingly. The engine is both a smooth operator during idling or when push through the rev range. What makes QQ’s performance so briskly thanks to the fact that Nissan is committing heavily into developing CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission. CVT is a neat concept which delivers both performance, efficiency and economy in a seamless way; as it doesn’t have torque converter which slips power away. In the case of QQ, it has a proper paddle shifters for those who want to control the rpm whenever its time to push the engine. Judging by the fact that Nissan Xtronic is one of the finest CVT in the market, it doesn’t get anything better than this. The throttle response is decently responsive without feeling too abrupt.
Handling: What makes the QQ so much fun-to-drive is the use of proactive AWD combining with the excellent dynamic stability control, then add a sporty-oriented suspension and rigid chassis. The end result is a crossover that handles more like a sports sedan than an SUV. The sports suspension is comfortably compliant when driven through all the patholes and roughness. In order to make QQ’s dynamic package more impressive, Nissan has sourced its springs from Sachs. Sachs is the famous spring producer in the automotive industry. When a large carmaker sourced specific springs for a crossover from a famed manufacture for producing sports springs, you know they are very committed to making QQ a truly sporty crossover. The spring rates are properly damped with all the sportiness one associates with Nissan’s upper market Murano, which is one of our favourite mid-size crossovers. The steering provides excellent feel and feedback, while its path-tracking abilities are excellent without losing all the sharpness. Thanks to the properly rated suspension and springs, the ride comfort is both supple and sublime. There are safe understeer when pushed, while body rolls are more than acceptable given QQ’s crossover status.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, QQ has managed to stop itself accordingly. The stopping distance is short while pedal always have some lives to it. The pedal feels firm and solid while ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an added bouns.
Interior: Just like many of those compact crossovers with the 3rd row, its a either/or kind of affair. If you want proper luggage space, fold them down into the floor completely. The 3rd row, however, better leave for your worse friends as its simply a tortune to sit at the back.
When all the seats are folded, QQ’s luggage space has layout surprisingly well. With minimal side wheel intrusions and low liftover, QQ is able to swallow as many cargoes as your imagination does. Our 7′s extra dimensions over stanard QQ has added more space. At the back of the QQ, it has a washer/wiper to clean dirts out from the back glass. Its just the seams between the glass and body panel would attract as many dirts as possible. Another issue is the rear glass doesn’t open independently, which it should.
In the front, QQ is very well-equipped. Those leather seats are well-foamed with proper leg and thigh supports. All the controls right from auto climate control to stereo are very initutive. However, all have done with one big problem. And that’s the use of subpar plastic materials on the dashboard. Pity.
Conclusion: The QQ is definitely a worthwhile crossover to consider as a whole package. As it combines good looks, a very well-equipped interior and competitively priced. What seals the deal for me is how sporty it drives considering its 7-seater status.
Competitions:
BMW X1
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
VW Tiguan
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Nissan Qashqai+2
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5