Second generation crossover Nissan Qashqai became a real phenomenon on the market, building on the success of the first model and offering a more mature design with improved dynamics. The car, which received the J11 index, ceased to be just a compact city SUV, turning into a full-fledged family car with high levels of comfort and safety.
When choosing a used car or a new car, it is important to understand that technical specifications directly affect the cost of ownership and operating costs. In this material, we will analyze in detail the range of power units, transmission features, suspension parameters and overall dimensions so that you can make an informed choice.
Line of power units and their features
Under the hood Nissan Qashqai 2 hides a variety of gasoline engines adapted to different market requirements. The range is based on units from the HR and MR families, which are reliable, but have their own maintenance nuances. For urban conditions, turbocharged versions are often chosen, while for highway travel, naturally aspirated engines are preferable.
Gasoline engine capacity 1.2 liters turbocharged (series MR12DDT) was developed to reduce fuel consumption without losing dynamics. He gives out 115 horsepower and is capable of accelerating the crossover to hundreds in 11.2 seconds. This engine is equipped with a variable valve timing system on the intake and exhaust, which allows it to operate efficiently over a wide speed range.
A more powerful option - atmospheric 1.6 liter engine (series HR16DE), which is a time-tested design. Its power is 114 hp, and the torque reaches 156 Nm. Despite the lack of a turbine, this unit provides smooth propulsion and excellent maintainability, making it a favorite for taxi fleets and family use.
The flagship of the gasoline line is the engine 2.0 liters (series MR20DD), which develops 144 hp and 200 Nm of torque. It is this that provides the best dynamic performance, allowing you to overtake traffic with a reserve of power. It is important to note that this engine requires higher quality fuel and regular oil changes to maintain service life.
- 🔧 Motor 1.2 DIG-T requires the use of high-quality fuel and high-quality oil every 7-10 thousand km.
- ⚙️ Engine 1.6 does not have a turbine, which simplifies maintenance and reduces the risk of overheating.
- 🚀 Version 2.0 provides better dynamics, but fuel consumption on the highway can be 15-20% higher.
⚠️ Attention: MR series turbocharged engines are sensitive to the quality of engine oil. The use of non-original lubricants can lead to scoring in the cylinders and reduced compression.
- 1.2 Turbo
- 1.6 Atmospheric
- 2.0 Atmospheric
- Diesel 1.6
Transmission and drive: what to choose?
Depending on the selected engine and market, Nissan Qashqai 2 can be equipped with various types of gearboxes. For buyers, this is a critically important point, since the reliability of the unit directly affects safety and comfort. Manufacturers offer both classic mechanical solutions and modern CVTs.
Manual transmission 6MT installed on basic versions with 1.2 and 1.6 liter engines. It is characterized by its simple design and high reliability, without requiring expensive maintenance. The shift lever has a clear stroke, which allows the driver to feel the car and control traction even in difficult road conditions.
The main partner for engines is the variator Jatco CVT8, which is paired with 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 liter engines. This unit provides smooth acceleration without jerks typical of classic automatic machines. The system emulates gear shifting in 7 or 8 stages, which allows you to maintain optimal engine speed when overtaking and driving uphill.
The drive can be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (4x4). All-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4-i Intelligently distributes torque between axles depending on the situation. In normal mode, the car rides on the front wheel to save fuel, but when slipping, the torque is instantly redistributed to the rear axle, ensuring cross-country ability.
☑️ Checking the transmission before purchasing
- 🛠️ The variator requires an oil change every 60,000 km, otherwise it may overheat and fail.
- 🚗 All-wheel drive is activated automatically, but has a locking mode to overcome difficult off-road conditions.
- 🔋 All-wheel drive electronics may require calibration after battery replacement or suspension repair.
⚠️ Attention: The Jatco variator does not like long slips and sudden starts from traffic lights. This can lead to overheating of the oil and premature wear of the belt drive.
Dimensions and interior capacity
External dimensions Nissan Qashqai 2 allow him to feel confident both in dense city traffic and on wide highways. Body length is 4377 mm, width - 1806 mm, and the height varies from 1590 mm up to 1608 mm depending on the type of wheels and the presence of roof rails. Wheelbase has reached 2646 mm, which significantly increased the legroom for rear passengers.
The interior space of the crossover is designed taking into account the needs of the family. The front seats have a wide range of adjustments, including lumbar support, which allows you to customize the ideal fit for the driver of any size. The rear row can seat three adults, although the center armrest and tunnel can be a bit of a nuisance.
The luggage compartment has a volume 430 liters in the standard position of the rear row backs. If necessary, by folding the seats in a 60:40 ratio, you can increase the usable space by up to 1585 liters. The boot lid is conveniently shaped and the loading height is optimized for loading large items such as prams or suitcases.
The interior is designed in the "dragon" style using high-quality materials. The instrument panel is equipped with a digital display, and the center console is integrated with the multimedia system. Ergonomics are designed so that all control buttons are within the driver's reach, which reduces fatigue on long trips.
| Parameter | Value (mm) | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4377 | Compact size for the city |
| Width | 1806 | Wide track for stability |
| Height | 1590 | Convenient entry and exit |
| Clearance | 203 | Sufficient reserve for light off-roading |
| Trunk volume | 430-1585 | Flexible interior transformation |
When choosing a body color, keep in mind that light shades (white, silver) heat up less in the sun and dust is less noticeable on them, which reduces the frequency of washing in the summer.
Suspension and handling
Suspension design Nissan Qashqai 2 is a classic set for crossovers of this class. The front has an independent MacPherson linkage with anti-roll bar. The rear uses a multi-link setup that provides an excellent balance between comfort and cornering control.
The shock absorbers are tuned to softly dampen bumps, making the ride comfortable even on bad roads. However, during sharp maneuvers or at high speeds, the body may roll, which is a compromise for the sake of passenger comfort. The steering is equipped with an electric booster, which changes the force depending on the speed.
Addiction controllability from the suspension settings is very high. In Sport mode, the steering is heavier and the suspension is firmer, improving steering response. In Comfort mode, the system becomes softer, hiding minor irregularities. This allows you to adapt the car to your driving style and road surface conditions.
- 🛞 Multi-link rear suspension provides high stability on the track.
- 🌧️ Electronic power steering helps you park in tight spaces effortlessly.
- 🏎️ Driving modes allow you to change the character of the car from sporty to relaxed.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing suspension elements, it is recommended to use original spare parts, since analogues may have different rigidity and geometry, which will upset the balance of handling.
What affects suspension wear?
The life of the suspension is influenced by the quality of the roads, driving style and regular maintenance. Frequent impacts on curbs and potholes can lead to rapid wear of silent blocks and levers, causing knocks and vibrations on the steering wheel.
Safety and driver assistance systems
Security level Nissan Qashqai 2 meets the highest European standards. The car received five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests thanks to its robust body structure and multiple airbags. The system is included as standard ESP, which prevents skidding and loss of control in difficult weather conditions.
Modern versions are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. The all-round camera allows you to see everything that is happening around the car, which is critical when parking. The Pre-Collision System with Automatic Braking (AEB) can detect a pedestrian or obstacle and stop the vehicle before impact.
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) alerts the driver to the presence of other vehicles in areas not visible in the mirrors. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front, automatically reducing speed and accelerating when necessary. These features make driving less tiring and safer.
It is important to note that many safety systems require regular calibration after windshield replacement or bumper repairs. Incorrect configuration of cameras and radars can lead to false alarms or system failure in a critical situation. Therefore, any interventions in the geometry of the body should be carried out in specialized services.
Active safety systems do not replace an attentive driver, but significantly reduce the risk of accidents in difficult driving situations.
Performance and fuel consumption
Fuel consumption is one of the key factors when choosing a car. For Nissan Qashqai 2 with engine 1.2 DIG-T The declared combined cycle consumption is approx. 6.5-7.0 liters per 100 km. In reality, depending on driving style and traffic jams, the figure can increase to 8-9 liters.
More powerful motor 2.0 liters consumes more: in the city consumption can reach 11-12 liters, and on the highway it drops to 7-8 liters. All-wheel drive versions always consume 0.5-1 liter more compared to their front-wheel drive counterparts due to the weight of the transmission and rotational resistance.
Dynamic characteristics also depend on the weight of the vehicle. The crossover with all-wheel drive weighs about 1,500 kg, which requires a more powerful engine to maintain dynamics. At the same time, acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 10 seconds for version 2.0, which is a decent indicator for a family crossover.
Economy can be improved by using Eco mode, which limits throttle response and changes the transmission logic. It is also worth monitoring the tire pressure - insufficient pressure increases fuel consumption and tire wear.
- ⛽ The 1.2 turbo engine is the most economical, but requires careful handling.
- 🛣️ The 2.0 engine provides better dynamics, but consumes more fuel in the city.
- 🌡️ In winter, fuel consumption increases by 1-2 liters due to engine warming and stove operation.
Frequently asked questions from owners
Which engine is more reliable: 1.2 turbo or 1.6 naturally aspirated?
The 1.6 naturally aspirated engine is considered more reliable and durable, since it does not have a turbine and intercooler, which can fail. However, the 1.2 turbo version offers better dynamics with lower fuel consumption, but requires more careful maintenance.
Is it necessary to warm up the variator before driving in winter?
Yes, in winter it is recommended to warm up the variator for 2-3 minutes before driving. This is necessary to ensure that the oil reaches operating temperature and ensures proper operation of the torque converter and belt drive.
What is the ground clearance of the Nissan Qashqai 2?
The official ground clearance is 203 mm. However, it is worth considering that when the car is fully loaded, this figure can decrease to 180-190 mm, which still allows you to overcome snow drifts and uneven city roads.
Can I use winter tires with studs?
Yes, the use of studded tires is acceptable, but keep in mind that studs can damage the asphalt surface. It's also worth checking the tire manufacturer's speed and load index recommendations for your specific vehicle.
⚠️ Attention: When operating a car in winter, be sure to use winter tires, as a summer tire loses its properties at temperatures below +7°C, which significantly increases the braking distance.