Model Nissan Qashqai The first generation, which underwent a major update in 2010, became a real bestseller in the secondary crossover market. This one restyling corrected many childhood illnesses of earlier versions, adding more modern engines to the range and improving interior ergonomics. If you are considering buying a used car, it is important to understand exactly what changes have been made to the car in order to avoid buying a copy with hidden defects.
The appearance has become more aggressive and modern: the radiator grille, the shape of the headlights and bumpers have changed, and a new wheel design has also appeared. Inside the cabin Nissan Qashqai i restyling received a new multimedia system, improved sound insulation and a redesigned dashboard. These changes made the crossover more competitive in its class, despite the age of the platform.
Design evolution and external changes
The main visual emphasis of the restyling is on the front of the body. The new radiator grille with chrome trim and the signature logo become the center of the composition, creating a more expensive look. The headlights received new internal optics and, in top trim levels, xenon modules with washers, which significantly improved night visibility.
The rear has also undergone changes, becoming more concise. The glass trunk lid has a new profile, and the lights now have a more complex shape with integrated LED sections. The bumper has been redesigned, which not only changes the aesthetics, but also slightly improves aerodynamics. It is important to note that the quality of the paintwork Nissan during this period it remained at its best, but when purchasing you need to carefully check the thresholds.
For the Russian market, there are often versions with protective overlays on bumpers and sills, which is typical for off-road style. However, you should be careful: some sellers install cheap plastic covers that quickly crack in the cold. Look for original items with markings to avoid unnecessary costs in the future.
- ✅ Updated optics with improved cut-off
- ✅ Chrome-plated decorative elements in the exterior
- ✅ New wheels with a diameter of 16, 17 and 18 inches
Engines and transmission: what to choose?
Under the hood Nissan Qashqai after the update, a new range of engines appeared, replacing the old units. The most popular option is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a power of 141 hp. This atmospheric The unit is reliable and easy to maintain, although it does not please with its high acceleration dynamics.
For those looking for efficiency, a 1.6-liter engine with 115 hp remains in the lineup, but it is often overloaded with the weight of the crossover, which leads to increased fuel consumption during active driving. The diesel version 2.0 dCi (150 hp) is the most balanced choice in terms of power and traction, but requires high-quality fuel and regular filter replacement.
The transmission is represented by a manual gearbox, a classic Jatco hydromechanical automatic transmission and a CVT variator. It is the variator that causes the most controversy. Early versions variator had problems with overheating and rapid wear of the belt drive, but the restyled models received improved cooling and a more reliable valve body.
- ⚙️ Gasoline 2.0 (141 hp) - reliable, but gluttonous
- ⚙️ Diesel 2.0 dCi (150 hp) - high-torque, requires maintenance
- ⚙️ Jatco JF011E variator - requires strict oil level control
When choosing a car with an automatic transmission, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis. You should not trust the seller's words that the oil has been changed recently. It is better to check the service history or contact an independent expert, since repairs CVT can cost almost half a car.
- Gasoline 2.0
- Diesel 2.0
- CVT
- Mechanics
Typical faults and weaknesses
Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Qashqai i restyling has a number of characteristic problems that every potential buyer should be aware of. The most common problem is the failure of the all-wheel drive clutch. If you notice that the rear axle does not engage on wet asphalt or when driving through puddles, most likely the clutch needs to be replaced or its electronics repaired.
In the air conditioning system, compressors often fail, and freon leaks occur due to cracks in the radiators. In addition, it is worth checking the condition of the front stabilizer struts and silent blocks of the levers, since they have a limited resource and require replacement every 40-50 thousand kilometers. This is typical for pendants many crossovers in this segment.
⚠️ Attention: Check the operation of the Start-Stop system. If the engine stalls and does not start correctly, this may indicate problems with the alternator or battery, which often cannot cope with the stress of traffic jams.
Electrics can also fail. Most often, problems arise with parking sensors that stop responding to obstacles, or with buttons on the steering wheel. In winter, the trunk lock cable often freezes, which makes it impossible to open it from the outside. These minor faults are not critical, but create discomfort during operation.
- ❌ Failure of the all-wheel drive clutch (All Mode 4x4)
- ❌ Wear and tear of the air conditioning compressor and radiators
- ❌ Knock in the front suspension due to wear on the levers
What to do if the clutch is faulty?
If the clutch fails, the car will switch to front-wheel drive mode. This is safer than continuing to drive with a locked clutch, which could jam. It is recommended to immediately contact the service for diagnostics or temporary blocking of the clutch via software if you only drive on asphalt.
Interior, ergonomics and comfort
Interior Nissan Qashqai after restyling it became better and more convenient. The finishing materials are soft plastic and fabric with an improved structure, which are pleasant to the touch. The ergonomics of the instrument panel remains intuitive: all switches are at hand, and the multimedia system has a fairly quick response.
The rear row of seats is spacious enough for two adults, but three passengers will be cramped due to the central tunnel. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 430 liters, which is average for the class, but the rear seatbacks can be folded down if necessary, increasing the space to 1,585 liters. It does crossover practical for family trips and transportation of large cargo.
Interior noise insulation has improved significantly compared to the pre-restyling version. There is less noise from the wheels and engine at high speeds, but tire hum can still be noticeable on poor quality asphalt. To increase comfort, many owners additionally install sound insulation on doors and arches.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the operation of all electric windows and sunroof. Repairing these mechanisms on a Nissan Qashqai often involves replacing complex control units, which costs a pretty penny.
Maintenance and consumables
Regular maintenance is the key to the long life of any car. For Nissan Qashqai The engine oil change interval is 15,000 km, but experienced owners recommend reducing it to 10,000 km, especially in city conditions. This will extend the life of the piston group and turbine, if installed.
The variator requires special attention. The oil in the CVT transmission must be changed every 60,000 km, and the level and condition of the filter must be checked. Ignoring these requirements will lead to rapid wear of the cones and belt, which will require expensive repairs or replacement of the unit. Use only original fluids Nissan NS-2 or certified analogues.
The brake system requires checking the pads and discs every 20-30 thousand kilometers. Ventilated discs are often installed on the front axle, which wear unevenly during aggressive driving. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the brake pipes, as they can be subject to corrosion in regions where reagents are used.
☑️ Maintenance checklist before winter operation
Comparison with competitors and summary
In my class Nissan Qashqai i restyling competes with models such as Toyota RAV4, Hyundai ix35 and Mazda CX-5. Compared to its Japanese competitors, it offers a more modern design and good ergonomics, but loses in transmission reliability. Competitors' gearboxes are often more durable.
In terms of cost of ownership, Nissan benefits from lower parts prices and service availability in most cities. However, the cost of repairing the CVT may offset this benefit. If you are looking for a car for a quiet ride and are ready to pay attention to maintenance, Qashqai will be an excellent choice.
It is important to understand that the age of the car is already significant, and the condition of a particular instance is more important than general statistical data. One well-groomed specimen can last longer than ten neglected ones. Therefore, when inspecting, pay attention to the presence of corrosion, body condition and service history.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Years of production of restyling | 2010–2013 | End of first generation production |
| Engine 2.0 (gasoline) | 141 hp | MR20DE, reliable but average consumption |
| Engine 2.0 (diesel) | 150 hp | M9R, economical, requires quality fuel |
| Drive | Front/Full | All Mode 4x4-i clutch |
| Trunk volume | 430–1585 l | Complex shape, but roomy |
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy a car with a CVT if the mileage exceeds 180,000 km without a documented oil change and transmission repair. The risk of breakdown is extremely high.
In conclusion, Nissan Qashqai The first generation with restyling is a balanced crossover that combines style, comfort and sufficient practicality. The main factor for success when purchasing is a thorough check of the condition of the variator and all-wheel drive clutch, since their repair is the most expensive part of owning this car. With the right approach and timely maintenance, this car will become a reliable companion for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which engine is better to choose for the city?
For city use, the optimal choice is a 2.0 liter gasoline engine (141 hp). It is easier to maintain, cheaper to repair and less sensitive to fuel quality than the diesel version. The 2.0 dCi diesel makes sense only for long runs outside the city.
How reliable is the CVT after restyling?
Restyled versions received improved cooling of the variator, which increased its service life. However, reliability still depends on the operating mode. If the oil change intervals are observed (every 60 thousand km) and a gentle driving style, the box can travel 200-250 thousand km without serious problems.
Are there problems with body corrosion?
Body Nissan Qashqai The first generation has decent anti-corrosion protection, but sills, arches and door bottoms can rust if not cared for. Particular attention should be paid to license plate mounting areas and hidden cavities. Regular washing and waxing will help extend the life of the body.
What is the fuel consumption of the diesel version?
In the combined cycle, the 2.0 dCi diesel engine consumes about 6-7 liters of fuel per 100 km. In urban mode, consumption can increase to 8-9 liters. This is much more economical than its gasoline counterpart, which consumes 10-12 liters in the city.
Is it worth getting the version with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive on Nissan Qashqai is not a full-fledged off-road solution, but it significantly improves cross-country ability in snow, mud and during emergency maneuvering on slippery roads. If you live in an area with harsh winters, having all-wheel drive will be a big plus, but be aware of the risks of clutch failure.
The restyled Nissan Qashqai is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a stylish crossover with good ergonomics, provided they are prepared for regular and high-quality transmission maintenance.