Crossover Nissan Qashqai The second generation, also known as the J11, has become one of the most prominent vehicles in the compact crossover market. Appearing in 2014, it offered buyers a modern design, advanced safety systems and an updated platform, making it a competitor to such giants as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage.
Many potential buyers are faced with a dilemma: is this model worth choosing, given the age of the platform and the presence of more recent competitors on the market? In this article we will analyze in detail technical features, we will identify the strengths of the car and honestly talk about its weak points, which are often ignored in advertising brochures.
Interior design and ergonomics
Appearance Qashqai the second generation is radically different from its predecessor, becoming more aggressive and aerodynamic. The designers eschewed boring shapes in favor of sharp edges and a distinctive roofline that creates a floating roof effect thanks to black pillars. This solution not only improved the appearance, but also reduced the drag coefficient.
Inside the cabin, changes affected not only materials, but also layout. There's a new one multimedia complex with a touchscreen that is integrated into the center console, rather than sticking out above it, as it was before. Ergonomics have improved: the climate control buttons remain physical, which is convenient for control on the go, although some parking sensor controls are hidden in the menu.
- 🚗 Increased trunk volume - from 430 to 1490 liters with folded seats.
- 💺 Comfortable front seats with lateral support and heating.
- 📱 Availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in later versions.
It's worth noting, however, that materials in the lower section of the cabin can feel a bit harsh compared to some European competitors. If you often carry passengers in the back row, pay attention to the lack of adjustment of the backrest angle of the rear sofa in the basic trim levels.
⚠️ Attention: Pay special attention to the condition of the plastic door sills when inspecting a used vehicle - they often crack from mechanical stress.
Engines and transmission: what to choose?
A wide range of power units were offered for the Russian market and Europe, but the most popular was the gasoline turbo engine. 1.2 DIG-T 115 hp This turbocharged engine provides decent dynamics in the urban cycle, while consuming a moderate amount of fuel. However, its resource raises questions among many experts.
The alternative is a more powerful 1.6 DIG-T 163 hp, which is excellent for the track and active driving, but requires higher quality fuel and oil. Diesel versions 1.6 dCi They are less common, but they are valued for their high torque and efficiency over long runs. The gearbox can be either manual or CVT CVT X-Tronic.
- ⛽ 1.2 DIG-T: acceleration to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds, consumption ~7.5 l/100 km.
- 🚀 1.6 DIG-T: acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, excellent traction from the bottom.
- 🔧 CVT variator: smooth ride, but requires oil changes every 60 thousand km.
CVT X-Tronic on this car it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides incredible smoothness and the absence of jerks characteristic of automatic machines of that time. On the other side, variator resource directly depends on driving style and timely maintenance. If driving aggressively and slipping, the unit may require repairs at 150-200 thousand kilometers.
- 1.2 Turbo (economy)
- 1.6 Turbo (dynamics)
- 1.6 Diesel (traction)
- Mechanics (reliability)
Suspension and handling
Chassis design Nissan Qashqai II is built according to the following scheme: at the front there is an independent MacPherson spring suspension, at the rear there is a multi-link suspension. This design provides an excellent balance between comfort and controllability. The car confidently holds the road at high speeds and does not roll when cornering.
However, the suspension tuning has been adapted to European roads, which makes it quite harsh for our realities. In deep holes and speed bumps, impacts can be noticeable, especially if the car is sitting on large 19-inch wheels. Suspension energy intensity leaves much to be desired in off-road conditions.
| Component | Condition | Typical problem |
|---|---|---|
| Front struts | Average resource | Knocking noise when hitting bumps |
| Rear shock absorbers | High resource | Oil leakage after 100 thousand km |
| Silent blocks | Low resource | Play and hum when driving |
| Steering rack | High resource | Knock in the steering column area |
The electric power steering is light and precise, but the feedback on the steering wheel is not the most informative. Owners often note that at speeds over 100 km/h the steering wheel becomes too light, which takes some getting used to. Stabilization system works correctly, but in extreme situations it may fire too early.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car, be sure to check the condition of the front control arm silent blocks - replacing them with original parts is not cheap.
Reliability and typical breakdowns
Despite the reputation of a reliable Japanese car, Nissan Qashqai the second generation has a number of “childhood diseases”. The weakest point is the 1.2 turbocharged engine, which has problems with timing chain stretching already at 80-100 thousand kilometers. There are also known cases of increased oil consumption and catalyst overheating.
The electrical part is generally stable, but malfunctions may occur in the multimedia system, which sometimes freezes and requires a reboot. Parking sensors and rear view cameras can also fail due to moisture or mechanical damage. Corrosion is not a global problem, but it is worth checking the sills and arches.
- 🔋 Battery: drains quickly when parked for a long time due to current leaks.
- 🌡️ Temperature sensor: sometimes shows incorrect overheating data.
- 🚪 Door locks: may jam at low temperatures.
☑️ Checklist when purchasing
If you're considering a diesel engine, be prepared to service the AdBlue system and particulate filter. These elements are expensive to replace and require careful attention. Gasoline versions are easier to maintain, but require more frequent oil changes to preserve the life of the turbine.
When changing the oil in the 1.2 DIG-T engine, use only original Nissan oil or a high-quality analogue with RN0720 approval to avoid problems with the timing chain.
Comfort and running costs
Owners Qashqai The car is often praised for its high level of equipment, even in mid-range trim levels. Climate control, heated seats for all seats, light and rain sensors, as well as a rear view camera make operation comfortable in any conditions. Interior noise insulation is at a decent level, although noise from the wheel arches becomes noticeable at speeds above 120 km/h.
Operating costs depend on the chosen modification. The petrol 1.2 consumes about 7-8 liters in the city, which is not bad for a crossover of this size. The fuel consumption of the diesel version is even lower - about 5-6 liters. However, the cost of spare parts for Nissan above the market average, especially for original suspension components and electronics.
Insurance and tax also needs to be taken into account when planning your budget. The 1.2 and 1.6 engines fall into different tax brackets, which can have a significant impact on annual costs depending on where you live. Parts are available in almost all major stores, but original parts may be delayed in transit.
How much does the service cost per year?
On average, servicing a 2nd generation Nissan Qashqai costs 30-50 thousand rubles per year, including oil changes, filters and small consumables. If serious breakdowns occur (for example, repair of a variator), the cost may increase to 100 thousand rubles.
Results: who is this car suitable for?
Nissan Qashqai The second generation is an excellent choice for an urban family looking for a modern, comfortable and fairly economical crossover. Its design is still not outdated, and the ergonomics of the interior are thought out to the smallest detail. If you value performance and smoothness, as well as advanced driver assistance systems, this car will be an excellent companion.
However, if you plan to use the machine for active off-road driving or expect it to last forever without costly maintenance, it's worth considering other options. Critical moment - this is the choice of engine: 1.2 requires careful attention, and 1.6 is more reliable, but more expensive to maintain. The CVT variator requires strict adherence to the oil change schedule every 60,000 km, otherwise the risk of failure is extremely high.
Ultimately, operational success depends on the maintenance history of a particular instance. A properly selected car with a careful owner will delight you for years, while a neglected copy can turn into a financial abyss.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy a car with a CVT if the previous owner cannot provide receipts for regular oil changes in the gearbox - this is the main risk when purchasing.
Nissan Qashqai 2 is a compromise between style and reliability: it is great in the city, but requires careful maintenance of the power unit and transmission.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which engine is more reliable: 1.2 or 1.6?
The 1.6 DIG-T engine is considered more reliable and durable compared to the 1.2 DIG-T. The “younger” engine often has problems with the timing chain tensioner and turbine at high mileage. If your budget allows, it is better to choose version 1.6.
How often do you need to change the oil in a CVT?
Despite the fact that the manufacturer claims “lifelong” oil, experts recommend changing it every 60,000 km. Ignoring this procedure may result in failure of the valve body or belt drive.
Is Qashqai suitable for winter use?
Yes, the car is well adapted to winter thanks to electric power steering and climate control. However, it is worth considering that its ground clearance is average (about 200 mm), and winter tires are required for safe driving, especially with a CVT.
What are the main problems with electronics?
Most often, owners encounter freezing of the multimedia system, parking sensor errors and malfunctions of the Start/Stop system. In most cases, these problems can be resolved by updating the software or replacing the sensors.