• Economical range of engines
• Performance not a high priority
• Manual, automatic and 4WD available

A range of four engines provide power for the second-generation J11 Nissan Qashqai – there are two diesels and a pair of petrols. Petrol models are all compliant with clean air zones and ULEZ, but Euro 6 diesel models were not offered ahead of the 2015 deadline. So, stick to newer diesel models to avoid emissions-based road charging.

All engines are turbocharged and fitted with stop-start. Only the largest diesel option is offered with all-wheel drive, however.

Impressive DIG-T petrol engines

The Nissan Qashqai Mk2 was an early example of big-car, small-engine thinking for the petrol range. Initially offering a 1.2-litre turbo with 115hp and a choice of manual or automatic gearbox, in front-wheel drive only. It matches the original Qashqai’s 1.6-litre performance with better economy and lower CO2.

However, the 1.2-litre engine not particularly reliable, and has issues with oil consumption. We would only recommend it if the car’s history is impeccable and too cheap to ignore.

The 1.6-litre DIG-T in pre-2018 models is the one to have if you want the fastest Qashqai. It has 160hp, will reach 62mph in 8.9 seconds and has a 124mph top speed, meaning motorway cruising is relaxed.

Move to the facelifted Qashqai and the choice is easier – two 1.3-litre DIG-T models with 140hp or 160hp, available with optional seven-speed DCT automatic on the 160hp model. The 140hp version is easy to find and has a useful 240Nm of torque, providing far more punch and power than the 1.2.

On the move, it’s smooth and quiet and feels quicker than you might expect, especially next to the more powerful 160hp version. This particular version will complete the 0-62mph sprint in 10.5 seconds. If you want more power, the 160hp should do the trick. It has 260Nm of torque and a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds. The difference between the two engines isn’t huge, but it is noticeable – especially when overtaking. 

We’d therefore recommend the 140hp version and save yourself a bit of money. If, however, you need or want an automatic gearbox, the 160hp model is your only option as the DCT gearbox isn’t available with the 140hp car. It’s a smooth, if slightly hesitant gearbox but the trade-off is impressive economy compared with old-school petrol autos, and it’s proving reliable as the cars get older.

Nissan Qashqai Mk2 diesel – best economy

The entry level is the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine that’s been around for a while. At launch it produced 110hp (badged dCi 110), later being increased to 115hp (the dCi 115) in 2018.

While it’s the same basic engine from the previous Qashqai, it’s quieter, smoother and more economical than it was in its before. With 115hp and 260Nm of torque it’s not the quickest, but it’ll suit most buyers’ requirements and is the most economical engine in the range. Nissan quotes figures of 113mph and a 0-62mph time of 11.9 seconds, so expect performance to be no more than adequate for a vehicle of this size.

Nevertheless, it’s quiet during normal driving, only becoming noisy when extended, and no worse than most other diesels. Its extra torque over the entry-level petrol makes it easier to drive in many respects. A DCT dual-clutch transmission was introduced for the 1.5-litre dCi in 2018, giving buyers the option of an automatic with an economical low-CO2 engine.

Nissan Qashqai Mk2 4×4 – diesel only

The larger diesel option is needed if you want 4×4, and it’s also the best choice for towing. Early models feature the 1.6-litre dCi 130, which was upgraded to the 1.7-litre dCi 150 in 2019. The larger diesel can be specified with four-wheel drive as a manual or CVT automatic, or as a front-wheel drive manual. Refined compared with rivals, the bigger diesels can nevertheless get a bit of engine noise in the cabin at speed – more apparent in post-facelift models, as the 2018 update focused in improving wind and road noise.

Top speed of the dCi 150 2WD manual is 119mph with a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds. Nissan claims identical figures for the 4WD manual, but when fitted with the CVT automatic they change to 120mph and 11.2 seconds, respectively.

How does the Qashqai handle?

• Safe, predictable handling
• Unlikely to sate enthusiastic drivers
• Raft of on-board electronic stability aids

Conventional hatchback-like handling is a key attribute of the Nissan Qashqai and the second-generation model continued the theme. Although there’s plenty of body roll when cornering, it’s well controlled and the car feels safe and stable at all times. It’s certainly not exciting to drive but, as surefooted family transport, it’s hard to criticise.

Nissan made subtle changes to spring and damper rates as part of the 2017 facelift, as well as beefing up the steering to provide more positive feedback. The result is an improvement in dynamics overall – at least up to a point. Drivers looking for something with a sportier feel will probably find the Ford Kuga more satisfying.

There’s plenty of electronic witchcraft going on behind the scenes to keep the Qashqai on the straight and narrow, with different levels of braking force applied to each individual wheel while cornering or travelling over undulating surfaces to keep the Nissan’s body as flat and stable as possible. As well as making the car more nimble, the company claims this also improves comfort for passengers.

All-wheel-drive versions get a more sophisticated suspension set-up with a multilink layout at the rear. Ride quality for all versions regardless of drivetrain is very good, with both large bumps and smaller imperfections absorbed smoothly. The Qashqai is equally at home around town, where its raised driving position makes it a cinch to position on the road. It’s easy to park, especially when equipped with parking cameras.

Higher grades get 360-degree panoramic cameras which provide a snapshot from all sides. Handy for avoiding damage to your alloy wheels when parking near a kerb.

Nissan Qashqai Mk2 (J11): front-wheel drive or four?

Top-spec Qashqais can be found with four-wheel drive (4WD) but only with the larger diesel engine. They operate as front-wheel drive in most conditions, but will send power rearwards if the front axle is struggling for grip. You won’t cross the Sahara in it, but it’s ideal for keeping you going in snowy weather, when towing (2,000kg limit) or crossing a slippery field or campsite with a caravan. With good tyres, a four-wheel drive Qashqai should give excellent traction with minimal driver effort.