First generation Nissan Qashqai (index J10) became a real bestseller in the compact crossover market, but by 2010 the model required refreshment. The restyled version, presented at the beginning of 2010, received not only cosmetic changes, but also a number of technical improvements. In this article we will look at exactly what changes have undergone Qashqai J10 after restyling, we will compare it with the pre-restyling version and identify the key pros and cons for potential buyers.

Restyling affected all key aspects: design, interior, engines and transmissions. Engineers paid special attention to improving handling and reducing noise levels in the cabin - the two main complaints of owners about the pre-restayling model. However, not all innovations turned out to be uniquely successful. Let's look at them in detail to help you make an informed decision when choosing a used one. Qashqai J10.

External changes: what's new in the design?

The restyling brought the most noticeable changes to the appearance of the crossover. The front part received completely updated optics with LED running lights (in top trim levels), a new radiator grille with chrome elements and a redesigned bumper with integrated fog lights. The taillights have also become slightly larger, and their internal structure has changed - they now look more modern.

The body panels remain the same, but there are new paint options, including the popular "Bronze metallic" And "Blue Sapphire". The wheels have been updated: the basic versions received 16-inch steel wheels with new caps, and the top versions received 18-inch alloy wheels with an original design. It's important to note that restyled Qashqai J10 received improved anti-corrosion treatment for sills and arches, which was a response to frequent complaints from dorestyle owners about rust.

  • 🔹 New optics with LED elements (in Tekna versions and higher)
  • 🔹Chromed radiator grille with modified geometry
  • 🔹 Redesigned front bumper with integrated PTF
  • 🔹Updated taillights with different internal structure
  • 🔹 New body colors: Metallic Bronze, Sapphire Blue

On the side, the changes are minimal - except that the moldings on the doors have changed slightly and new options for stickers on the pillars have appeared (depending on the configuration). The rear, in addition to the lights, received a redesigned bumper with different reflectors. Overall, the restyling was done Qashqai J10 visually fresh, but not radical - the model remained recognizable.

📊 How do you like the appearance of the restyled Qashqai J10?
  • Too conservative
  • Good balance
  • They became better than pre-restayl
  • Don't like it at all

Interior: interior and ergonomic improvements

The changes inside were more significant than outside. The steering wheel has a new shape with a thicker rim and modified audio control keys. The instrument panel was updated: now the speedometer and tachometer had white scales with blue backlighting (instead of the orange one on the pre-Restay), and between them a color display of the on-board computer with expanded functions appeared.

The center console has undergone the most noticeable changes: the climate control buttons have become more ergonomic, and the multimedia system has received an updated interface with support Bluetooth And USB even in basic versions. The finishing materials have improved - the plastic has become softer to the touch, and in top trim levels a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift lever have appeared. However build quality still remained “average”: many owners noted plastic squeaks after 20–30 thousand kilometers.

  • 🎛️ New steering wheel with a thicker rim and redesigned buttons
  • 📊 Updated dashboard with color on-board computer display
  • ⚙️ Redesigned center console with improved ergonomics
  • 🔊 Multimedia with Bluetooth and USB support in basic versions
  • 🛋️ Better finishing materials (soft plastic, leather braid in Tekna)

The seats in the restyled version have a new shape with better lateral support, but their filling remains the same - many owners complain about the insufficient rigidity of the cushions after 50-60 thousand km. The trunk volume has not changed (410 liters), but new options for its organization have appeared: for example, a two-level floor in the version Qashqai+2.

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When inspecting the interior, pay attention to the play in the steering column - this is a common problem with restyled Qashqai J10 after 80 thousand km. It is often solved by tightening the fasteners, but sometimes it requires replacing the bushings.

Technical changes: engines and transmissions

The restyling brought the most important updates under the hood. Base petrol engine 1.6 HR16DE (114 hp) received new ECU firmware, which made it possible to slightly improve dynamics and reduce fuel consumption. More powerful 2.0 MR20DE (141 hp) was also modified: the intake system was changed, which added 3–5 hp. at high speeds. But the main innovation is the appearance turbodiesel 1.5 dCi (110 hp) with system Stop&Start, which has become the most economical option in the line.

Transmissions remain the same: 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. Jatco JF613E. However, new firmware was introduced into the automatic transmission, which made shifts smoother, especially when cold. Four-wheel drive All-Mode 4x4-i also improved: now the system connects the rear axle faster when the front wheels slip. The suspension received new shock absorbers with changed characteristics, which had a positive effect on handling, but did not solve the problem of knocking on bumps after 60–70 thousand km.

Engine Power (hp) Consumption (city/highway) Features of restyling
1.6 HR16DE 114 9.5 / 6.2 l New ECU firmware, improved dynamics
2.0 MR20DE 141 10.8 / 6.8 l Modified intake system, +3–5 hp. at high speeds
1.5 dCi (K9K) 110 5.8 / 4.5 l Stop&Start system, DPF particulate filter
2.0 dCi (M9R) 150 7.2 / 5.3 l Improved turbine, reduced noise level

Diesel deserves special attention 1.5 dCi. This engine was the first in the line Qashqai, equipped with a system Stop&Start, which made it possible to reduce fuel consumption in the city to 5.8 liters. However, owners note that the particulate filter DPF requires regular cleaning when driving around the city - with a mileage of over 100 thousand km, it often has to be changed (cost from 40 thousand rubles).

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The diesel 1.5 dCi with the Stop&Start system is the most economical option, but requires careful operation: warming up to operating temperature and regular trips along the highway to clean the particulate filter are required.

Comparison with pre-restyle: which is better?

The main question that worries buyers: is it worth overpaying for the restyled version? Let's compare the key aspects. Externally, the restyling looks more modern thanks to LED optics and chrome elements, but the difference is not fundamental. Inside, the changes are more noticeable: a new steering wheel, dashboard and multimedia make control more convenient. However quality of materials remained at the same level - the plastic still creaks over time.

On the technical side, the restyling definitely won: improved engines (especially the 1.5 dCi diesel), modified automatic transmission and all-wheel drive make the car more dynamic and economical. But there is also a downside: electronics has become more complicated, and therefore more expensive to repair. For example, replacing the system control unit Stop&Start costs 25–30 thousand rubles. Also, in restyled versions, problems with parking sensors and a rear view camera are more common.

  • ✅ Pros of restyling:
    • 🔹 Modern design with LED optics
    • 🔹 Improved multimedia with Bluetooth
    • 🔹 Modified engines and automatic transmissions
    • 🔹 Stop&Start system (at 1.5 dCi)
  • ❌ Disadvantages of restyling:
    • 🔹 More complex and expensive electronics
    • 🔹 Problems with diesel particulate filters
    • 🔹 Plastic creaks remain in the cabin
    • 🔹 Higher price on the secondary market

If reliability and ease of maintenance are important to you, dorestayl may be more profitable. If the priority is modern options and improved dynamics, the restyled version will justify the investment. The main thing is to carefully check the service history, especially for diesel versions.

Which Qashqai J10 are most often bought aftermarket?

According to car market statistics, the most popular are versions with petrol 2.0 MR20DE and automatic transmission (about 45% of sales), followed by diesel 1.5 dCi (30%). Less popular are the 1.6 HR16DE due to weak dynamics and the 2.0 dCi due to the high cost of maintenance.

Typical problems and weaknesses

Despite the improvements, the restyled Qashqai J10 I inherited some of the “diseases” from the pre-Restay and acquired new ones. The most common problem is oil leak from under the valve cover on gasoline engines (especially 2.0 MR20DE). This is due to wear of the gasket and requires replacement every 80–100 thousand km. Another “scourge” of the model - knocking sounds in the front suspension, which are usually caused by wear of the stabilizer struts or silent blocks of the levers.

For diesel versions, the main problems are related to the system DPF (particulate filter) and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation valve). During urban use, the filter quickly becomes clogged, and replacing or cleaning it is expensive. Owners also complain about vibrations during acceleration - this may be caused by wear of the engine mounts or a malfunction of the dual-mass flywheel (on diesel engines). Transmission problems are more common with automatic transmissions: shifting jerks or delays are usually associated with worn solenoids or low oil levels.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a restyled Qashqai J10 with diesel 1.5 dCi Be sure to check the condition of the particulate filter DPF. If the previous owner only drove around the city, there is a high risk that the filter already requires replacement (cost from 40 thousand rubles). You can check its condition using a diagnostic scanner or visually - if it is heavily soiled, black smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe.
  • 🔧 Typical problems of the restyled Qashqai J10:
    • 🔹 Oil leak from under the valve cover (gasoline)
    • 🔹 Knocks in the front suspension (stabilizer struts, silent blocks)
    • 🔹 Clogged particulate filter DPF (diesel)
    • 🔹 Vibrations during acceleration (engine mounts, flywheel)
    • 🔹 Automatic transmission jerks (solenoids, oil)

Electronics can also bring surprises. Most often, parking sensors, a rear view camera (in versions with multimedia) and a climate control control unit fail. Repairing or replacing these elements costs 10–25 thousand rubles. To minimize risks, when purchasing, be sure to check the operation of all electronics, including the system Stop&Start (if any).

Oil leak under the valve cover (gasoline)|Condition of the DPF particulate filter (diesel)|Automatic transmission operation (jerking, delays)|Knocks in the suspension when driving over bumps|Functioning of the electronics (parking sensors, camera, Stop&Start)|Condition of the engine mounts (vibrations during acceleration)-->

Which engine to choose: gasoline or diesel?

The choice of powertrain depends on your driving style and maintenance budget. Gasoline engines 1.6 HR16DE And 2.0 MR20DE easier and cheaper to repair, but less economical. 1.6 liter The engine is suitable for quiet city driving, but on the highway it clearly lacks power - overtaking requires preliminary calculations. 2.0 liter the option is more dynamic, but its consumption in the city reaches 10–11 liters.

Diesel engines 1.5 dCi And 2.0 dCi more economical (consumption 5–7 liters), but require more qualified maintenance. 1.5 dCi with the system Stop&Start ideal for the city if you are ready to monitor the particulate filter and fill with high-quality fuel. 2.0 dCi (150 hp) is the best choice for those who often drive on the highway or transport heavy loads, but its repair is more expensive than its gasoline counterparts.

Criterion 1.6 HR16DE (petrol) 2.0 MR20DE (petrol) 1.5 dCi (diesel) 2.0 dCi (diesel)
Consumption (city) 9.5 l 10.8 l 5.8 l 7.2 l
Dynamics 0–100 km/h 12.9 s 10.5 s 12.5 s 9.9 s
Reliability ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ (DPF risk) ⭐⭐⭐ (expensive repairs)
Maintenance cost Low Low High (DPF, EGR) Very high

If you're choosing between petrol and diesel, consider mileage and service history. Gasoline engines are more forgiving of irregular maintenance, while diesel engines require strict adherence to regulations. For example, an oil change on a diesel engine should be carried out every 10 thousand km (versus 15 thousand km for gasoline), and the fuel should only be premium class. Otherwise, the risk of fuel equipment breakdown increases significantly.

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For city use, the petrol 2.0 MR20DE is optimal - it is quite dynamic and does not require as much attention as diesel engines. If you drive a lot on the highway, the 2.0 dCi diesel will justify its efficiency, but be prepared for high maintenance costs.

Prices on the secondary market and what affects them

Cost of restyled Nissan Qashqai J10 on the secondary market varies from 500 thousand to 1.1 million rubles depending on the year of manufacture, mileage and configuration. The cheapest offers are 2010–2011 versions with a mileage of 150 thousand km and a gasoline engine 1.6 HR16DE. Cars 2012–2013 with diesel 1.5 dCi or all-wheel drive cost 15–20% more.

Main factors influencing the price:

  1. Engine type: diesel engines are 50–100 thousand rubles more expensive than gasoline ones.
  2. Gearbox: the machine adds 30–50 thousand rubles to the cost.
  3. Equipment: versions Tekna with leather interior and LED optics cost 100–150 thousand rubles more than the basic ones.
  4. Mileage and history: cars with a mileage of up to 100 thousand km and a full service history can cost 20–30% more than similar ones without a service book.
  5. Body condition: the absence of corrosion on the sills and arches adds 50–80 thousand rubles to the price.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with offers where the price is 15–20% lower than the market. Often these are cars after an accident with a broken history or with hidden problems (for example, a faulty particulate filter on a diesel engine). Before purchasing, be sure to check the car through the services Autocode or CarVertical, and also carry out full diagnostics at the service station.

Average market prices (as of June 2026):

  • 🔹 Qashqai J10 1.6 MT 2WD (2010–2011): 500–650 thousand rubles.
  • 🔹 Qashqai J10 2.0 AT 4WD (2011–2012): 700–850 thousand rubles.
  • 🔹 Qashqai J10 1.5 dCi MT 2WD (2012–2013): 750–900 thousand rubles.
  • 🔹 Qashqai J10 2.0 dCi AT 4WD Tekna (2013): 950–1.1 million rub.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

How to distinguish the restyled Qashqai J10 from the pre-restyled one?

The main external signs of restyling:

  • 🔹 LED running lights in the headlights (in top trim levels).
  • 🔹 Chrome radiator grille with a modified shape.
  • 🔹 New taillights with a different internal structure.
  • 🔹 Updated dashboard with color display of the on-board computer.
  • 🔹 New steering wheel with a thicker rim.

Also, restyled versions were produced from 2010 to 2013, while the pre-restyle version was produced from 2007 to 2010.

What mileage is considered critical for the Qashqai J10?

For gasoline engines 1.6 HR16DE And 2.0 MR20DE mileage is considered critical 200–250 thousand km — by this time a major overhaul is usually required (replacement of piston rings, valves). For diesels 1.5 dCi And 2.0 dCi "ceiling" below - 180–200 thousand km, as the fuel equipment and turbine wear out. However, with quality maintenance, motors can go even further. The main thing is to keep an eye on:

  • 🔹 Regular oil changes (every 10-15 thousand km).
  • 🔹 Condition of the particulate filter DPF (on diesels).
  • 🔹 Turbine operation (is there any oil smoke coming from the exhaust pipe).
  • 🔹 Condition of the suspension (knocking, backlash).

Is it worth taking a Qashqai J10 with an automatic?

Automatic transmission Jatco JF613E on Qashqai J10 is considered reliable, but only if the maintenance regulations are followed. The main advantages of automatic transmission:

  • 🔹 Smooth switching (after restyling, the firmware was finalized).
  • 🔹 Good adaptation to driving style.
  • 🔹 Resource 200–250 thousand km with proper operation.

Cons:

  • 🔹 Expensive maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km, cost 8–10 thousand rubles).
  • 🔹 Sensitivity to overheating (you cannot tow trailers weighing >1 t).
  • 🔹 Jerks when switching may indicate wear of the solenoids (repair from 20 thousand rubles).

If you are ready to monitor the oil level and do not plan to drive aggressively, the automatic transmission Qashqai J10 - a good choice. For reliability, before purchasing, check the box using diagnostics: there should be no errors in the solenoids and valve body.

What kind of oil should I put into the Qashqai J10 engine?

Engine oil recommendations Nissan Qashqai J10 (restyling):

  • 🔹 1.6 HR16DE: 5W-30 or 5W-40, specification API SN/ILSAC GF-5. Volume - 4.3 l. Recommended brands: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30.
  • 🔹 2.0 MR20DE: 5W-30 or 5W-40, specification API SN. Volume - 4.4 l. Will do Castrol Edge 5W-30 or Motul Specific 913C 5W-30.
  • 🔹 1.5 dCi (K9K): 5W-30 or 0W-30, specification ACEA C3/C4 (low SAPS). Volume - 4.5 l. Optimal: Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W-30 or Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30.
  • 🔹 2.0 dCi (M9R): 5W-30, specification ACEA C3. Volume - 5.4 l. Recommended Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Diesel High Tech 5W-30.
Important: Oil that does not meet the specification must not be used on diesel engines. Low SAPS (low sulfated ash content). This will lead to rapid failure of the particulate filter. DPF.

What configurations of the Qashqai J10 were there after restyling?

After restyling Nissan Qashqai J10 offered in the following trim levels (for the Russian market):

  • 🔹 Visia: basic version with air conditioning, 4 airbags, 16" steel wheels.
  • 🔹 Acenta: added alloy wheels