Nissan QASHQAI+2 1.5 dCi Visia 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Qashqai+2 has a 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder, 16V diesel engine that produces 108 bhp of power and 177 lb-ft of torque. This translates into a top speed of 108 mph, while 0-62 mph arrives in 13.2 seconds. These credentials are competent but not as impressive as others in the range with the main attraction of this engine being its efficiency.

The strong suspension deals easily with bumpy and uneven surfaces, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride. There is a fair amount of body lean through corners, but the steering offers plenty of feel. The steering can be a little heavy when parking, but it feels very stable at higher speeds. The 1.5 diesel engine grumbles a little around town, but is quieter on the motorway whilst the larger 1.6 engines are far more refined and quiet when running.

The Qashqai+2 has a well-crafted exterior. Inside the cabin the plastics are a little cheap but the build quality is top notch and all Qashqais are generously equipped.

Entry-level Visia models come with alloy wheels, four electric windows, electric mirrors, a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity as standard, meaning they offer a good range of basic features for the price. Other trim levels include the Acenta, N-tec and Tekna, with the latter offering the most extensive selection of equipment but for a much higher purchase price.

The dashboard is clear and well-organised. The steering wheel adjusts for both height and reach, and the driver’s seat alters for height and offers good support. The elevated driving position delivers excellent front visibility combining comfort with practicality.

The car features an impressive safety kit that includes six airbags, stability control and active front head restraints to reduce whiplash. However the curtain airbags do not extend to the third row of seats but the car comes with an immobiliser, visible VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) deadlocks and marked mechanical parts to deter thieves.

Reliability should not be an issue either as Nissan have an impeccable record in this department and the Qashqai performed well in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey, finishing in the top 40. A three year warranty for 60,000 miles is also offered on the car as standard.

The Qashqai+2 has seven seats but realistically only children will fit in the third row - and this limits its practicality a bit. The rear headroom does not match some rivals but the boot is large enough with a decent 410 litre capacity when the seats are up and 860 litres when they are down.

Priced at £19,595, this model is cheaper than the Volvo XC60 but more expensive than the Peugeot 3008 - making it a good mid range car for families on a budget. All Qashqais are well-equipped and the entry-level Visia models come plenty of features to keep buyers happy.

This 1.5 litre model offers the best efficiency of the range, achieving 53.3 mpg on a combined cycle. This is in addition to reasonable insurance and road tax costs which fall under bands 17 and E respectively. Green credentials are also fairly strong for the model, with the car emitting 139 g/km of carbon dioxide.

On top of this, reliability is excellent and resale values are high and this means this car is a great investment for families. In terms of value for money, the 1.6 dCi Visia is the best option as it offers a combination of performance, good specification and low running costs whilst the 1.5 dCi Visia needs to be worked harder and copes less easily with everyday driving. However thr 1.5 dCI Visia is still a decent prospect for families looking for an economical, practical, safe, large family car.