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Qashqai grows in appeal. Image by Matt Vosper.

Qashqai grows in appeal
Nissan adds a pair of additional seats in the boot of its Qashqai to create the +2. Family motoring doesn't get much better.

   



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| First Drive | Mont Blanc, France | Nissan Qashqai+2 |

Even Nissan has been surprised by the success of its genre-busting Qashqai. To give it greater appeal Nissan has added the +2 to the range, a pair of additional seats adding to the Qashqai's family friendliness.

In the Metal

Nissan burst out of the conventional categories with its Qashqai, mixing family hatchback with off-roader looks to produce a car that's been an enormous hit. So much so Nissan has added to its Qashqai range by introducing the Qashqai+2. At first glance you'd struggle to notice any difference, but the +2 gains a 135mm stretch in its wheelbase giving slightly less squat proportions and adding to the interior space. There's a different front grille and re-profiled bootlid too, while the roofline is also slightly higher than its regular Qashqai relative. All that's been done to allow Nissan to add a pair of occasional seats in the rear - explaining the +2 in the name.

What you get for your Money

The Qashqai+2 adds around £1,200-£1,500 to the price of Nissan's conventional Qashqai. That might sound like a lot to pay for a pair of occasional seats in the boot, but Nissan has at least increased the +2's proportions to make them useable. The design changes required to add those rear seats might be relatively mild but the overall effect is of a sleeker, more neatly proportioned car. There's obviously additional space inside too with increased head and legroom all round, while the boot is also larger. Standard equipment on the Qashqai+2 includes a huge panoramic glass roof, adding to the light, airy feeling of the +2's interior.

Driving it

There are simply two 2.0-litre engine choices in Britain, either petrol or diesel. Front or four-wheel drive is offered with either engine and there is a pair of automatic choices - a conventional automatic for the diesel and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for the petrol. Opt for the four-wheel drive models and controlling the drive couldn't be simpler - the various modes are selected by a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel. Only around 25% of customers are expected to opt for all-wheel drive, it costing £1,400 more than the front-driven models. The 148bhp diesel works best in the Qashqai+2, its ample torque making it an easy drive - though choose the automatic and the throttle response is dulled significantly, the six-speed manual being preferable.

The 138bhp petrol is smooth and willing, though needs big revs to keep up with the diesel. Both the petrol and diesel options drive impressively though, the Qashqai+2 driving just like its slightly shorter relative. That means a fine ride, decent body control through the bends and a more car-like feel than its lofty SUV-rivalling stance would have you expect. The six-speed manual shifts cleanly, the steering is accurate, well weighted and responsive and refinement decent with both engine choices - the diesel sounding a bit gruff at idle.

Worth Noting

Fuel consumption for the diesel model is obviously better: 42.2mpg versus 33.6mpg for the petrol engine, but the gap isn't so huge to make it the default choice. Indeed, with current diesel prices it would take a lot of driving to make up the price difference between the two in fuel savings.

In addition to the extra rear seats Nissan has added a space under the floor for the luggage cover, solving the problem of where to stow it when those seats are in use. Entrance to the extra seats is aided by sliding the second row forward, the longer rear doors also improving access.

Summary

Not revolutionary by any means the new Nissan Qashqai+2 merely adds some more practical appeal to an already impressive all-rounder. The additional space and those occasional rear seats will suit families needing the extra carrying capacity. The changes in proportions arguably increase the visual appeal of the Qashqai further, as well. Add the availability of four-wheel drive and Nissan's genre-busting family car really is the consummate all-rounder, the +2 certain to further increase its deservedly impressive performance in the sales charts.

Kyle Fortune - 29 Aug 2008



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2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.

2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.



2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Matt Vosper.
 

2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Matt Vosper.
 

2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Matt Vosper.
 

2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Matt Vosper.
 

2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Matt Vosper.
 

2008 Nissan Qashqai+2. Image by Nissan.
 






 

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