2021 Nissan Qashqai 158 Xtronic test: comfort in the spotlight

In this year 2021, the famous Japanese urban crossover is reinventing itself. The third generation of this pioneer in the field is reviewing everything in order to regain the advantage over fierce competition. Test today of the 158 horsepower Xtronic version.

On the outside, it changes almost everything, you like it or you don't, that's undeniable. But it is by looking in the details that we must recognize the beautiful work done on the body. Some taut lines are to be noticed, just like the QASHQAI inscriptions engraved in the fenders, the non-dummy air intakes or the raised lights. Overall, it is still rather harmonious: there is not too big a gaping mouth, no artificial aero appendages, no unsightly black plastic and the chrome touches are tasteful for once. Then, with our test model, it must be said that the large 20-inch rims impose it, without playing it too much have you seen me!

Like many manufacturers, if every effort is given to the exterior design, in the passenger compartment it is not already the same song… And this is unfortunately the case here. It is clearly taking on modernity and maturity, but it is not the slap of the century by settling on board. Even if at first glance we are happy to find in physics a good part of the most practical buttons (air conditioning, audio, shortcuts,…), it is however this part in question, under the screen, which is stain. Too big, too flat, too classic, it's a shame. Because well, overall I'm exaggerating a bit, it's not that bad. The seats are very nice, the screen is relatively well integrated, the steering wheel is nice and the materials quite flattering. I especially note the ebony-style plastic which has its effect, and which above all, seems less prone to micro-scratches than a black lacquered plastic. Good point also for the assemblies which are well carried out.

In terms of livability, I have mixed feelings. While space at the front is excellent, at the rear it's not the best on the market. In the head, nothing to say, but in the legs it is a little more limited for adults and teenagers. The children will be fine there. Except, how often, in the central square which is steep and narrow. Luckily, the very large panoramic roof brings in a lot of light and gives back a certain feeling of space. Finally, the trunk with double bottom allows to see coming thanks to its 504 liters of loading. That is 74 liters more than the previous generation. For comparison, it's 16 liters less than a Peugeot 3008 but still 69 liters more than a Mercedes GLA for example.

At the wheel, on the other hand, it is already more convincing. From the very first turns of the wheels, you can tell that this new Nissan Qashqai is an excellent vehicle. We quickly appreciate the overall comfort, it's really very satisfying. And that's what amazed me the most throughout this essay. It actually completely absorbs irregularities in the road or other speed bumps, while not tossing the passengers in all directions. In addition to that, we add perfectly controlled soundproofing, both to the running gear and wind noise. On the highway, the big mirrors are obviously, slightly felt, but a simple little piece of music and it's forgotten. Then, the whole is further reinforced by the great progress of CVT boxes. A few weeks earlier, I was already pleasantly surprised at the helm of the Suzuki Across ; and it is confirmed today in this new Qashqai. We are generally done with this feeling of milling in the void, attacking our ears. From now on, the Xtronic is no longer heard and is discreet. A gear shift is even somewhat simulated, reminiscent of classic automatic gearboxes, and allowing you to better feel the acceleration.  

Transition all found to talk about what is hidden under the beast. We take advantage of the 1.3-liter 4-cylinder petrol unit and 12 V micro-hybridization only, unlike what is currently done. Thanks to its reasonable weight of 1,450 kg, 158 horsepower is clearly sufficient for almost any situation. The raises are definitely there, and there is no shortage of vigor to fit into the flow of traffic. The eco / standard / sport modes will also allow you to perfectly adapt your driving without making the SUV too amorphous, or conversely, too caricature. However, despite hybridization efforts and a mixed WLTP consumption promised at 6.5l / 100, it is not necessarily a monster of sobriety. In current use, it will rather be between 7.5 to 8 liters per 100 km. Corn,

As with every test, we just have fun testing the dynamic capabilities of a new vehicle. Of its limits. Without having a sporty temperament, his attitude remains stable and allows you to feel safe even when increasing the pace. We would like to gain more feedback from the steering, but the excellent handling compensates for this lack. Do not think you have a GTI in your hands either, in the tight it has a tendency to crash into its supports quite a bit. Calming our ardor. However, it will remain firmly on its tracks and let us take a certain pleasure at the wheel. But indeed no miracle, it is necessary to make choices between comfort and dynamism. And it is this first qualifier that must take precedence for this type of vehicle.

Finally, our Tekna + finish, mega-equipped, obviously benefits from all the paraphernalia of driving aids. We still appreciate the blind spot warning or cruise control, but everything else continues to personally annoy me. While autonomous driving is particularly pleasant in traffic jams by managing speed, distance and restarting, other technologies are as usual very intrusive. The maintenance of line which makes the steering wheel vibrate while replacing the car is, this time, particularly unpleasant. Especially since it is, as always, necessary to switch it off each time it is switched on. 

And how much does that cost ? The new Qashqai starts at € 30,190 (Visia 140 BVM), but our top-of-the-range test model Tekna + attacks € 43,090 directly. It features the panoramic roof, leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel or even a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers. To that, we add two-tone metallic paint for € 1,250, 20-inch rims for € 500, and that's it. Which gives us a total of € 44,840, to which we can add € 450 in penalties in 2022.

By changing everything, the new Nissan Qashqai takes good cards in hand. If its style, both interior and exterior, may be debated, its comfort is undeniable. Reassuring and fun to drive, it gets all the qualities it deserves!