Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Premium Review: Right priced SUV

What we like:

Sleek muscular styling. Great driving dynamics aided by several electronic systems. Well equipped for its price.

What we dislike:

Nothing.

The mark of a good engine is how well it insulates the noise and vibrations away from the cabin. And the 2.0-litre aluminum four-cylinder in the Qashqai does a very good job of it. Though its power of 144bhp and torque of 200Nm from 4,4000rpm are modest, it doesn’t feel lacking in its performance.

While it is definitely no scorcher, the Qashqai’s power train is one built for comfort and with the new Xtronic CVT, power delivery is smooth from the get go. None of the usual gruff and noisy acceleration of traditional four-cylinder engines paired with CVTs are detected in this SUV.

But the praise goes on with the steering which is properly weighted with more accuracy than one would expect of an SUV. And the Qashqai is clever too. Aided with several different electronic systems such as Active Ride Control which gently brakes either the front or rear wheels to ensure a level ride. While the Active Trace Control and Active Engine Brake systems probably explain why the Qashqai remains tidy in the bends.

Not only that, it rides comfortably too. Thanks to the double piston shock absorbers, the car rides well under most normal conditions. Barring cracked tarmac. On the expressways the SUV maintains a quiet serene atmosphere on the inside while the dampers provide a supple ride.

The new Qashqai is very good. Much more than we had expected from a Japanese SUV but a smooth revving engine combined with a myriad of electronic driving aids has created a Japanese SUV with premium handling characteristics.

And at just a smidge over $140,000, it’s also well-equipped with a long list of wants that include keyless entry, LED headlamps, 19-inch alloys, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth telephony and auto headlights and wipers.

Need we say more?

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline