Nissan Qashqai second generation (body code J11) by 2018 had already established itself as one of the most popular compact crossovers in Russia and Europe. The 2018 model range was a logical continuation of the successful line, receiving minor design updates, improved sound insulation and an expanded list of options in top trim levels. This car is ideal for city use, but at the same time is able to feel confident on light off-road conditions thanks to all-wheel drive. ALL-MODE 4×4-i in versions with diesel engine.

In 2018 Qashqai was offered with three types of power units: naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, as well as a diesel version with a AdBlue. Deserves special attention 1.6-liter DIG-T turbo engine with a power of 163 hp, which combines dynamics and relatively low fuel consumption. However, each engine has its own nuances - from maintenance features to typical “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing.

Engines and transmissions: which engine to choose?

In 2018 Nissan Qashqai J11 was equipped with four main power units, each of which is focused on different tasks. Gasoline versions are in greatest demand on the Russian market, but the diesel version 1.6 dCi (130 hp) remains relevant for those who value efficiency and high torque at low speeds. Let's take a closer look at each engine:

  • 🔥 1.2 DIG-T (115 hp) — turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection. Suitable for relaxed city driving, but may feel a little stiff when overtaking on the highway. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle - approx. 6.2 l/100 km (one of the most economical indicators in the line).
  • ⚡ 1.6 (114 hp) - naturally aspirated gasoline engine, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. Ideal for those who prefer a manual transmission and do not chase high dynamic performance.
  • 🚀 1.6 DIG-T (163 hp) — a top-end gasoline turbo engine with excellent traction and acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Requires high-quality fuel (at least AI-95) and more frequent oil changes.
  • ☁️ 1.6 dCi (130 hp) — diesel unit with system AdBlue, optimal for long trips. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 4.5 l/100 km, but in winter it may require warming up and more frequent replacement of glow plugs.

All engines are compatible with 6-speed manual transmission or Xtronic CVT (except for the base 1.2 DIG-T, which is only available with manual transmission). The CVT has been criticized for its rubbery feel during acceleration, but it provides a smooth ride and reduces fuel consumption. Four-wheel drive ALL-MODE 4×4-i available only for the diesel version and top-end gasoline engine.

⚠️ Attention: Owners Qashqai 2018 with engine 1.6 DIG-T often encounter a problem maslozhora (oil consumption up to 1 liter per 1000 km) with aggressive driving. It is recommended to check the oil level every 1000–1500 km and use only original oil Nissan 5W-40.
📊 Which Nissan Qashqai 2018 engine do you consider the most reliable?
  • 1.2 DIG-T (115 hp)
  • 1.6 (114 hp)
  • 1.6 DIG-T (163 hp)
  • 1.6 dCi (130 hp)
  • I find it difficult to answer

Technical characteristics: dimensions, ground clearance and load capacity

Nissan Qashqai 2018 belongs to the class of compact crossovers, but thanks to the well-thought-out ergonomics of the interior and trunk, it is able to compete with larger models. Body length is 4377 mm, width - 1806 mm, and the height is 1590 mm (excluding roof rails). Ground clearance (ground clearance) as standard - 200 mm, which allows you to confidently overcome city curbs and light off-road conditions.

Trunk volume in standard position - 430 liters, and with the rear seats folded (60:40 ratio) it increases to 1585 liters. This is one of the best indicators in the class, second only to Skoda Kodiaq And Volkswagen Tiguan. Maximum load capacity - 550 kg, and towing capacity (for versions with automatic transmission) - up to 1300 kg.

Parameter Meaning
Wheelbase 2646 mm
Fuel tank volume 55 l
Curb weight 1300–1450 kg (depending on configuration)
Maximum speed 180–200 km/h (depending on engine)
Tire size (base) 215/65 R16 or 225/55 R18

Particular attention should be paid to the suspension: front - type MacPherson, back - multi-link. This design provides good handling on asphalt, but may become excessively stiff when driving on dirt roads. Owners note that after 50–60 thousand kilometers, replacement of stabilizer struts and bushings is often required.

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When choosing tires for Qashqai 2018 give preference to models with a load index of at least 95T. This will help avoid handling problems when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Options and equipment: what did the official dealer offer?

In 2018 Nissan Qashqai in Russia it was officially offered in five trim levels: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Plus, N-Connecta And Tekna. Basic version Visia was quite modest, but top-notch Tekna included almost all available options, including the system ProPILOT (adaptive cruise control with lane keeping function).

Let's look at the key differences between the trim levels:

  • 🔘 Visia — air conditioning, 4 airbags, audio system with Bluetooth, steel wheels R16. No cruise control or rear view camera.
  • 🔄 Acenta - added alloy wheels R17, climate control, rear view camera, parking sensors. One of the most balanced packages in terms of price/quality.
  • 🎛️ N-Connecta - multimedia system NissanConnect with navigation, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, system Around View Monitor (all-round view).
  • 💎 Tekna — full power accessories, leather seats with memory settings, panoramic roof, system ProPILOT, audio system Bose with 8 speakers.

Separately, it is worth noting the system NissanConnect, which in 2018 received an updated interface with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. However, many owners complain about slow navigation and frequent screen freezes. An alternative is to install a third-party multimedia center (for example, based on Android).

⚠️ Attention: In complete sets Visia And Acenta There is no tire pressure sensor (TPMS). This can lead to an unnoticed loss of pressure and increased tire wear. It is recommended to purchase additional external sensors or regularly check the pressure manually.

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs factory data

Official fuel consumption data from Nissan often diverge from real indicators, especially in Russian winters and traffic jams. For example, for an engine 1.6 DIG-T (163 hp) the manufacturer declares consumption in a combined cycle - 6.0 l/100 km, but according to reviews from owners, this figure is closer to 8.5–9.5 l/100 km during active driving.

Below are real fuel consumption figures based on data from forums and on-board computers:

  • ⛽ 1.2 DIG-T (115 hp, manual transmission) — city: 7.5–8.5 l/100 km, highway: 5.5–6.0 l/100 km.
  • ⛽ 1.6 (114 hp, manual transmission/variator) — city: 9.0–10.0 l/100 km, highway: 6.0–6.5 l/100 km.
  • ⛽ 1.6 DIG-T (163 hp, CVT) — city: 10.0–11.5 l/100 km, highway: 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.
  • ⛽ 1.6 dCi (130 hp, manual transmission/variator) — city: 5.5–6.5 l/100 km, highway: 4.0–4.5 l/100 km (the most economical option).

Fuel consumption is greatly influenced by several factors:

  • Driving style (sharp acceleration increases consumption by 15–20%).
  • Fuel quality (use AI-92 instead of AI-95 can increase consumption by 5–10%).
  • Condition of the air filter and spark plugs (a dirty filter increases consumption by 3–7%).
  • Tire pressure (a decrease of 0.2 atm increases consumption by 1–2%).

How to reduce fuel consumption on Qashqai 2018?

1. Use the mode ECO (available in trim levels with a CVT).

2. Check tire pressure every 2 weeks (the optimal value is 2.2–2.4 atm).

3. Refuel at trusted gas stations (for example, Lukoil or Gazpromneft).

4. Avoid prolonged warm-up of the engine at idle speed (1-2 minutes is enough).

5. Change the air filter and spark plugs regularly (every 15 thousand km).

Typical problems and “diseases” of the model

Despite the reliability of the platform CMF-C/D, Nissan Qashqai 2018 has a number of typical problems that you should be aware of before purchasing. Most of them are related to electronics and transmission, but there are also “hardware” nuances.

The most common complaints from owners:

  • 🔋 Battery problems - standard battery (60 Ah) often discharges in winter due to high system power consumption Start/Stop. It is recommended to replace it with 70–75 Ah (For example, Bosch S5 or Varta Blue Dynamic).
  • 🔊 Creaks and knocks in the cabin — after 30–40 thousand kilometers, plastic panels and door seals begin to creak. Treating with silicone grease or replacing clips helps.
  • 🛠️ Oil leaks from under the valve cover - relevant for engines 1.6 DIG-T. The reason is poor quality sealant. Solved by replacing the gasket and sealant with the original one Nissan 999MP-AM003.
  • 🔄 Xtronic variator jerks - appear with mileage over 80–100 thousand km. Contaminated oil or worn cones are often to blame. Diagnostics and oil change required (original NS-3).
  • 🌡️ Diesel engine overheating — in hot weather the cooling fan may operate at maximum speed. The reason is a clogged radiator or a malfunctioning thermostat.

Owners also note the fragility low beam bulbs (service life - 1.5–2 years). It is recommended to install LED lamps with a temperature 4300K (For example, Philips X-tremeUltinon), but only after checking compatibility with the light control unit.

Condition of the variator (test drive with jerks and smooth accelerations) | Level and color of engine oil (there should be no emulsion) | System operation Start/Stop (frequent errors may indicate problems with the battery)|Condition of brake discs and pads (wear more than 50% is a reason for bargaining)|Functionality of the multimedia system (frequent screen glitches)

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Owner reviews: pros and cons of operation

Based on an analysis of reviews from forums (Drive2, Qashqai Club) and social networks, key advantages and disadvantages can be identified Nissan Qashqai 2018. Most owners praise the car for its comfort, reliability and spacious interior, but there are also criticisms.

Pros:

  • ✅ Spacious salon — even tall passengers are comfortable in the back row.
  • ✅ Good sound insulation (better than Renault Kadjar And Kia Sportage).
  • ✅ Reliable suspension — withstands Russian roads without serious breakdowns for up to 100 thousand km.
  • ✅ High ground clearance — 200 mm allows you to not be afraid of city curbs.
  • ✅ Good equipment in the basic version (even Visia has air conditioning and Bluetooth).

Cons:

  • ❌ Expensive service — original spare parts and oil cost 20–30% more than Korean competitors.
  • ❌ Weak audio system in basic versions — the speakers wheeze at high volumes.
  • ❌ Low reliability of the variator with aggressive driving (lifetime - about 150 thousand km).
  • ❌ Small trunk volume compared to Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5.
  • ❌ Common problems with electronics (for example, spontaneous turning on of headlights).

It is interesting that most of the complaints are related to small things, and not to critical breakdowns. For example, many owners complain about inconvenient location of the trunk release button (it is located under the steering wheel, not on the door). It is also noted that in frosts below –20°C, the diesel version may have difficulty starting without a pre-heater.

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Most problems with Qashqai 2018 associated with poor quality service. Regular oil changes (every 10 thousand km for turbo engines) and the use of original consumables allow you to avoid 80% of typical breakdowns.

Cost of ownership: maintenance and insurance costs

Contents Nissan Qashqai 2018 is more expensive than budget crossovers (for example, Renault Duster), but cheaper than premium models (Volvo XC60 or Audi Q3). The average cost of ownership per year (including insurance, fuel and maintenance) is 120–150 thousand rubles with a mileage of 20 thousand km.

Let's look at the main expense items:

  • 💰 Insurance (CASCO/OSAGO) — from 30 to 80 thousand rubles per year (depending on the region and the driver’s experience).
  • 🛢️ Fuel — with a consumption of 8 l/100 km and a mileage of 20 thousand km: ~80 thousand rubles (at a gasoline price of 50 rubles/l).
  • 🔧 Maintenance:
    • Changing oil and filters - 6–8 thousand rubles (every 10–15 thousand km).
    • Replacing brake pads - 10–15 thousand rubles (every 40–50 thousand km).
    • CVT diagnostics - 3-5 thousand rubles (recommended every 60 thousand km).
  • 🔄 Consumables — original fils (air, salon) cost 2–3 thousand rubles per set.

Cost of spare parts (original vs analogues):

Detail Original (₽) Analogue (₽)
Brake pads (front) 8 000 3 500 (TRW)
Spark plugs (set) 4 500 2 200 (NGK)
Oil filter 1 200 400 (Mann)
Stabilizer links (pair) 6 000 2 800 (Febi)

To reduce costs, many owners switch to non-original spare parts from trusted brands (Bosch, Mann, TRW). However, for critical components (variator, turbine), it is better to use original parts or analogues marked OEM.

FAQ: answers to popular questions about the 2018 Nissan Qashqai

🔹 Which engine is the most reliable in the Qashqai 2018 line?

Considered the most reliable naturally aspirated 1.6 (114 hp). It does not have a turbine, which simplifies maintenance and is less likely to suffer from oil burns. However, it is inferior in dynamics to turbo engines. If you need diesel, then 1.6 dCi also shows good reliability, but requires high-quality fuel and winter care (warming up, AdBlue).

🔹 Is it possible to install gas equipment on the Qashqai 2018?

Installation of HBO is possible, but not recommended for turbo engines (1.2 DIG-T And 1.6 DIG-T), as this increases the risk of overheating and detonation. For atmospheric 1.6 (114 hp) 4th generation HBO is suitable (for example, Lovasato or BRC), but the ECU requires flashing and regular tuning.

🔹 How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?

Official regulations Nissan provides for changing the oil in the variator every 90 thousand km, but in practice it is better to reduce the interval to 60 thousand km, especially when used in the city. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KE909-99932). Replacement will cost 8–12 thousand rubles (depending on the service).

🔹 Which tires are better to choose for Qashqai 2018?

Optimal tire sizes:

  • 215/65 R16 - for a quiet ride (for example, Michelin Primacy 4 or Continental ContiPremiumContact 5).
  • 225/55 R18 - for improved controllability (for example, Pirelli Scorpion Verde or Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3).

Suitable for winter Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (studded) or Michelin X-Ice North 4 (friction).

🔹 How to enable "Sport" mode on Qashqai 2018?

Mode Sport Available only in trim levels with a CVT. To activate it:

  1. Start the car and press the button SPORT on the center console (next to the gear selector).
  2. The indicator on the dashboard will light up SPORT.
  3. In this mode, the variator simulates 6-7 “virtual” gears, and the engine operates at higher speeds for better dynamics.
⚠️ Attention: Constant use of the mode SPORT increases fuel consumption by 10–15% and accelerates wear of the variator.