The 2016 Nissan Qashqai became one of those cars that defined the face of the modern compact crossover on the Russian market. This year, the model underwent restyling, receiving an updated appearance and improved technical parts, which made it even more competitive among its classmates.
Many buyers choose this option as it combines the practicality of a family minivan with the dynamics of a city car. If you are planning to buy a used car, it is important to understand what nuances are hidden restyled version and what you should pay attention to during inspection.
Design and external changes of restyling
The appearance of the 2016 model has undergone major changes aimed at giving the car a more aggressive and modern character. The headlights became more elongated and sharper, and the radiator grille received a characteristic V-shape, becoming the hallmark of the brand.
The rear part has also undergone a transformation: the lights received new light graphics, and the bumper became more massive. These changes allowed Nissan Qashqai look more expensive and status-rich, which was extremely important for the C-SUV segment.
- 🚗 New front bumper design with large air intakes
- 💡Boomerang shaped LED daytime running lights
- 🎨 Increased selection of body colors, including metallic
Despite the aesthetic improvements, the body has retained high torsional rigidity, which has a positive effect on handling. However, it is worth remembering that the paint coating on some parts may be thin, so when operating in winter it is required additional protection from reagents.
Range of engines and their reliability
Under the hood of the 2016 crossover, you can find several powertrain options, each of which has its own operating characteristics. The most popular in Russia remains the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, which develops 144 horsepower. This unit is distinguished by its reliability and service life exceeding 250 thousand kilometers with proper care.
For those who prefer efficiency, a turbocharged 1.2 DIG-T engine with 115 horsepower is available. It provides excellent dynamics in the city, but requires high-quality fuel and regular monitoring of the turbine condition. Diesel versions 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi are also present in the range, offering high torque and low fuel consumption on the highway.
- ⛽ Petrol 2.0 (MR20DD) - reliable, but gluttonous in traffic jams
- 🌪 Turbo engine 1.2 (H5Ht) - economical, but sensitive to oil quality
- 🔋 Diesel 1.5 and 1.6 (K9K and R9M) - high-torque, but expensive to repair
It is important to note that the MR20DD series engines are equipped with a variable valve timing system, which makes their operation smoother. However, with high mileage, problems may arise with the timing chain, which must be checked every 100,000 kilometers.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a car with a 1.2 DIG-T engine, be sure to check the condition of the oil pump, as its clogging can lead to critical damage to the piston group.
Transmission and ride quality
The choice of transmission for the 2016 Nissan Qashqai depends on the configuration and type of drive. For front-wheel drive versions, a manual transmission or X-Tronic continuously variable transmission is available. All-wheel drive is implemented through the All Mode 4x4-i system, which automatically redistributes torque between the axles.
A manual transmission is considered the most reliable option, as it does not require complex maintenance and is resistant to overloads. The variator, in turn, ensures a smooth ride, but requires strict adherence to oil change regulations. Ignoring this rule often leads to premature failure of the belt drive.
- ⚙️ 6MT manual - simple, cheap to repair, but tiring in the city
- 🔄 CVT - comfortable, but afraid of slipping and overheating
- 🏔 4x4 all-wheel drive - excellent cross-country ability on light off-road conditions
The crossover's chassis is tuned for comfort, which is clearly noticeable when driving on uneven roads. Shock absorbers effectively dampen small vibrations, but on large holes, extraneous knocks may occur, indicating wear of the silent blocks or stabilizer struts.
- Front
- Full
- Rear
- Doesn't matter
Interior and comfort level
The interior of the 2016 Nissan Qashqai is designed in a simple style with an emphasis on ergonomics. The quality of finishing materials is at a high level, although hard plastic predominates in the basic versions. The center console is equipped with a large multimedia screen that supports integration with smartphones via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems.
Rear seat space is sufficient for average-sized adults, and the boot capacity is 430 liters, allowing for the transport of large cargo. The seats have pronounced lateral support and adjustable lumbar support, which reduces fatigue on long trips.
The climate control system works efficiently, quickly warming up the interior even in severe frosts. However, sound insulation at high speeds leaves much to be desired, and tire noise can be heard in the cabin.
⚠️ Attention: Check the functionality of all buttons on the steering wheel and center console, as repairing the multimedia system can be expensive due to the lack of spare parts.
☑️ Interior check upon purchase
Typical faults and maintenance
Despite its overall reliability, the 2016 Nissan Qashqai has a number of unique problems that every potential owner should be aware of. One of the most common complaints is the failure of the cooling system pump, which can lead to engine overheating. It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the front axle seals in all-wheel drive versions.
In the X-Tronic variator, there is often a problem with oil overheating when actively driving in traffic jams. To solve this problem, many owners install additional cooling radiators. In addition, the stabilizer bushings in the suspension quickly wear out and require replacement every 40-50 thousand kilometers.
- 🔧 Replace the pump with a preventative one if the mileage exceeds 100,000 km
- 🌡 Install an additional variator cooling radiator
- 🔩 Check the condition of the suspension arms regularly
Regular maintenance should be carried out every 10-15 thousand kilometers, depending on operating conditions. The use of non-original consumables can lead to accelerated wear of engine and transmission components.
What to do if the variator overheats?
If the variator overheating icon comes on, you must stop immediately, turn off the engine and let it cool. Further movement may cause permanent damage to the clutches and steel discs.
When changing the oil in the variator, use only original Nissan NS-3 fluid, as analogues may not meet the required viscosity characteristics.
Comparison with competitors and final assessment
In the compact crossover segment, the 2016 Nissan Qashqai competes with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage. The main advantages of Nissan are a spacious interior, reliable engines and affordable maintenance costs. However, in terms of noise insulation and acceleration dynamics, it may be inferior to German and Japanese competitors.
The table below compares the main characteristics of the model with key market rivals. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing a car.
| Characteristics | Nissan Qashqai 2016 | Volkswagen Tiguan | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine (base) | 1.6 l (115 hp) | 1.4 l (125 hp) | 2.0 l (150 hp) |
| Drive | Front/Full | Front/Full | Front/Full |
| Trunk volume | 430 l | 603 l | 506 l |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.5 l/100 km | 7.0 l/100 km | 7.8 l/100 km |
To summarize, we can say that the 2016 Nissan Qashqai is a balanced car for city use and country trips. The optimal choice is the configuration with a 2.0 liter engine and a CVT, as it provides the best balance between power and comfort.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a car on the secondary market, be sure to diagnose the suspension and transmission at a specialized service station before purchasing.
The 2016 Nissan Qashqai is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, practical and comfortable crossover with an affordable cost of ownership.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which engine is best for the 2016 Nissan Qashqai?
For city use and quiet driving, the best option is a 2.0 liter petrol engine. It has sufficient power reserves and high reliability. If you often drive on the highway and want to save on fuel, you can consider the 1.5 dCi or 1.6 dCi diesel versions.
How reliable is the X-Tronic CVT on this car?
The X-Tronic variator is quite reliable provided that the oil is changed promptly and there is no overheating. However, he does not like extreme loads and long periods of driving in traffic jams. It is recommended to install an additional cooling radiator to extend the life of the transmission.
What is the real fuel consumption of the 2016 Nissan Qashqai?
In the urban cycle, fuel consumption is about 10-12 liters per 100 km for gasoline versions and 7-8 liters for diesel ones. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, consumption drops to 6-7 liters for diesel and 8-9 liters for gasoline.
Is it possible to drive the Nissan Qashqai 2016 in winter?
Yes, the car is perfect for use in winter conditions. The all-wheel drive version with the All Mode 4x4-i system provides good cross-country ability on snow and ice. However, it is worth considering that the ground clearance is 205 mm, which may not be enough for deep snow in some cases.
How much does it cost to service a 2016 Nissan Qashqai?
The cost of regular maintenance varies from 15,000 to 25,000 rubles, depending on the type of engine and the service chosen. Car parts are widely available and reasonably priced, making operation cost-effective.