The Nissan Qashqai has been very well received throughout the 7 years it has been with us. Especially by my Dad who, whilst never owning one, has always admired them often pointing them out in car parks like a child hinting at a Birthday gift. Maybe one day Dad… 2014 sees an all-new Qashquai hit the road and my father wasn’t the only one keen to see if it could live up to its award winning predecessor. We gave this 2014 Nissan Qashqai dCi 110 Tekna a try to find out.
With a sharp new design that immediately states the direction Nissan wants to take the Qashqai, this SUV has premium stamped all over it. Strong lines and a sculpted bonnet makes some rivals offerings appear dated in comparison. Whilst being bigger and bolder than the outgoing car, this 2014 Nissan Qashqai has not forgotten its origins as a family workhorse. Our test car in top specification Tekna trim was finished in this very attractive ‘Ink Blue” paint. A £525 option we think is well worth having as it compliments the 19” alloy wheels perfectly.
Just like the exterior, the cabin has really taken a step up from the old car providing and clean modern design that houses plenty of practicality. Shaped facias and aluminium trim build upon the already pleasant environment that is soaked in natural light from large windows, including a panoramic glass roof. Everything feels secure and put together with that typically durable Japanese build quality that we have all come to know. Heated leather seats, Bluetooth, self-park and a touchscreen infotainment system are all included in this trim level. The rear seats offer plenty of head and leg room of passengers and the boot is also of a generous size making this Qashqai perfect for a family trip to France.
This 2014 Nissan Qashqai dCi 110 Tekna is powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine which produces 109BHP. Translated to the tarmac via a six speed manual gearbox and the front wheels, Nissan
claims that their new model will do 74MPG which is impressive for the type of car that this is. Whilst its 0-60MPH time of 12 seconds isn’t exactly inspirational, the low-down torque means that this engine has the grunt to get up and go when you need it. Yet, it is in the handling department where this Nissan really shines through. For a tall car the body control it possesses is nothing short of excellent and the same goes for the road holding. Good levels of grip and precise steering makes the Qashqai feel agile. It is a genuinely nice car to drive, not only pleasing those who seek keen handling, but a compliant ride and little road noise means that the whole experience is refined.
The 2014 Nissan Qashqai dCi 110 Tekna is a highly polished product from the Japanese company and one that more than lives up to the previous cars high standards. Our test vehicle with all of the gadgets may have come to almost £26,000 but the range starts from £17,995 and is still reasonably well equipped. We are keen to spend more time with the Qashqai, however, it is clear even from this first drive that we are looking as a strong contender for the class lead.
