• No Qashqai is particularly pricey to run
• Smaller diesel manages 138g/km of CO2
• Even the sprightliest petrol is cost-effective

Nissan Qashqai running costs are attractive with low fuel consumption and tax bills, owing to competitive fuel consumption and CO2 output.

The 1.3-litre DIG-T engine in both 140hp and 160hp outputs returns a claimed average on the combined cycle of the more rigourous WLTP testing system of 39.2-41.5mpg. If you go for the 160hp engine with the DCT engine, fuel economy is a claimed 39.2-40.9mpg.

Worth pointing out is that if you go for the newer 1.3-litre petrol engine, service intervals expand to every 18,000 miles instead of 12,500 miles.

As for the diesels, the 1.5-litre dCi 115 claims an impressive average of 50.4-53.3mpg (51.4-53.3mpg for the DCT automatic) – that should translate to figures around the 45-50mpg mark in real-world driving.

The larger 1.7 dCi 150 manages a claimed 48.7-51.4mpg in front-wheel drive form with the manual gearbox, dropping to 46.3-47.9mpg with four wheel drive.

Topping the range with 4WD and the CVT automatic gearbox, the dCi 150 drops further still to 40.4-42.8mpg.

Nissan cites easier mechanical access for servicing costs that are lower than the outgoing Qashqai so dealer visits should be less costly. Dealers bundle fixed-price servicing together, with the option of two years’ maintenance paid for up front at purchase for £249, or three years for £349. 

With the Vision Pack of safety equipment fitted, insurance grouping is four bands lower than the equivalent version of the old Qashqai, so this crossover shouldn’t cost a bomb to insure either.

The Nissan Qashqai does without the goody-two-shoes environmental gizmos you’ll find in its sister product, the all-electric Leaf. But despite relying on simple petrol and diesel powertrains, the latest crossover remains a smart choice with a decent environmental record.

The lowest CO2 emissions can be found coming from the dCi 115 with DCT transmission, producing between 138-143g/km. At the top, the automatic 4WD version dCi 150 produces 173-183g/km. 

For the petrols, all versions of the 1.3-litre DIG-T emit between 153 and 162g/km of CO2.

Miles per pound running costs are fine, but not outstanding, ranging from 5.2 - 6.8 mpp. These figures would be improved if there was a plug-in hybrid version of the Qashqai, but there won’t be one untl the Mk3 version arrives in 2021.

Is it reliable?

• Nissan Qashqai feels solidly built
• But there have been some reliability issues
• Three-year warranty from new

While many may expect the Qashqai to be a reliable car thanks to a strong reputation enjoyed by many Japanese car manufacturers, this model has actually suffered from five recalls and isn’t quite the bulletproof family car many think it is. 

Check the government’s DVSA website to understand what issues the Mk2 Qashqai has been recalled for.

The good news is that if you’re buying a used example, any recall work should have already been carried out. And if you’re buying new, there’s a three-year warranty to give you peace of mind. 

• Product guide: How to change your Qashqai’s wipers