Choosing a crossover in the C segment often comes down to comparing several market leaders, and Nissan Qashqai occupies one of the leading positions in this list. The 2018 model is a deep restyling of the third generation, which brought owners an updated design, improved ergonomics and a number of technical improvements. However, like any car, it has its own characteristics, which are best studied before purchase in order to avoid unpleasant surprises during operation.
Owners who have driven tens of thousands of kilometers in this car note mixed impressions: on the one hand, it is a comfortable and dynamic city crossover, on the other hand, it is a car with a number of specific βchildhood diseasesβ that require attention. If you are considering Qashqai 2018 in the secondary market, you need to understand the real picture of the reliability of components and assemblies, and not just believe the advertising brochures.
Engines and transmission: reliability and service life
Under the hood of most offerings on the market there is a gasoline engine with a capacity of 1.2 liters with turbocharging. This one The 1.2 DIG-T unit develops 115 horsepower and is often combined with a manual transmission or CVT. Many owners praise it for its efficiency and sufficient dynamics in the urban cycle, but there are also those who complain about insufficient traction when overtaking on the highway, especially when fully loaded.
A more serious choice is 1.6 liter atmospheric engine, which is considered more reliable and predictable. Its service life, if used correctly, can exceed 300,000 kilometers, which is an excellent indicator for this class. However, it is worth remembering that this engine requires higher quality fuel and regular oil changes, otherwise problems with the timing system may arise ahead of schedule.
When purchasing, special attention should be paid to the variator Jatco, which is installed on most versions with automatic transmission. This is a classic belt variator that does not like sudden starts and towing trailers. During a quiet ride, it provides a smooth ride, but the service life of the unit is highly dependent on the quality of maintenance and timely replacement of the fluid.
- π§ The 1.2 turbo engine requires high-quality gasoline and a clean cooling system.
- π’οΈ The Jatco variator is critically sensitive to overheating and requires an oil change every 60,000 km.
- βοΈ Atmospheric 1.6 liters is considered the most reliable choice for long-term use.
β οΈ Attention: When checking the variator, be sure to test drive it on a cold engine. If you hear a hum or jerking when starting to move, this is a sure sign of wear on the bearings or cones, the repair of which will be very expensive.
- 1.2 Turbo (economical)
- 1.6 Atmospheric (reliable)
- 2.0 (powerful but rare)
Suspension and ride quality
Suspension design Qashqai 2018 represents a classic compromise for the class: MacPherson struts at the front, multi-link at the rear. This solution provides a decent level of comfort on bad roads, but does not give the full feeling of handling a sports sedan. Owners note that the steering wheel has good feedback, but at high speeds the crossover becomes a little βwobblyβ.
Many buyers praise the car for its soft ride and ability to effectively absorb small bumps. However, if you plan to go off-road, it is worth remembering that the ground clearance 190 mm and the low front bumper make it impossible to overcome serious obstacles. This is still a city crossover, not an SUV.
It is worth noting that after 80-100 thousand kilometers, owners often encounter knocking in the suspension. Most often, the silent blocks of the rear control arms or stabilizer struts are to blame. Spare parts for Nissan They are reasonably priced, but original parts last longer than analogues, which is more profitable in the long run.
The Nissan Qashqai's suspension is tuned for comfort, not sport: it absorbs potholes well, but rolls are possible at high speeds when cornering.
Salon, ergonomics and multimedia
The interior of the 2018 model received an updated dashboard and improved finishing materials, although the plastic on the doors is still hard. Ergonomics are excellent: all climate and music control buttons are within easy reach, and the seats provide good lateral support. However, the space in the back row may not be enough for tall passengers, especially on long trips.
The Nissan Connect multimedia system has become significantly improved compared to previous models. The screen has become touch-sensitive, and the interface has become more intuitive. Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it easy to integrate your smartphone into the car system, which is very convenient for navigation and calls.
However, some owners report problems with multimedia performance after updating the firmware. The screen may freeze or turn off, requiring a system restart. You should also be attentive to the sound quality of the standard audio system, which not everyone finds rich.
- π± Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is available on most trim levels.
- πΊ Zero Gravity seats provide high comfort, but can be a bit cramped for larger people.
- π The rear sofa has a medium slope, which is convenient for short trips, but tiring on a long trip.
If the media screen is frozen, try rebooting the system by pressing and holding the power button on the instrument panel for 10-15 seconds.
Electrical and typical faults
Electrical part Qashqai The 2018 is generally reliable, but there are some specific issues to be aware of. One of the frequent complaints from owners is malfunctioning parking sensors or a rear view camera, which may stop working when wet or dirty. Also, sometimes there are malfunctions in the keyless entry system.
In winter, owners often encounter problems starting the engine, especially on versions with a 1.2 turbo engine. This is due to the peculiarities of the fuel heating system and the quality of the spark plugs. It is recommended to install a preheater or use high-quality oil with low viscosity.
Another problem may be the failure of the generator or starter at high mileage. Although this is not a critical fault, it can cause a lot of trouble if it happens away from home. Regular diagnostics of electrical equipment will help avoid unexpected breakdowns.
β οΈ Attention: When buying a used car, be sure to check the operation of all electronic systems: from air conditioning to heated seats. Electrical repairs on a Nissan can be expensive due to the difficulty of diagnosis.
Problems with the key
If you lose your key, replacing it can be expensive. An original key with a chip is expensive, and programming requires special dealer equipment.
Maintenance cost and fuel consumption
Fuel consumption is one of the main indicators that interests potential buyers. For version with motor 1.2 in a combined cycle the actual consumption is approx. 7.5β8.5 liters per 100 km, which is an excellent indicator. Version with 1.6 consumes more than a liter, approx. 9β10 liters in the city, which is also normal for a crossover.
Maintenance cost Qashqai is at the average level for the class. Spare parts are available, and services that can work with Nissan are available in most cities. However, original consumables are more expensive than analogues, which should be taken into account when planning your maintenance budget.
The table below shows approximate maintenance costs for different mileages:
| Mileage (km) | Type of work | Approximate cost (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 000 | Changing oil and filters | 8 000 β 12 000 |
| 30 000 | Replacing spark plugs and air filter | 15 000 β 20 000 |
| 60 000 | Replacing brake fluid, timing belt (1.6) | 25 000 β 35 000 |
| 90 000 | Replacing the timing belt, oil seals | 40 000 β 55 000 |
βοΈ What to check before purchasing
Results: is it worth buying?
Nissan Qashqai 2018 of the year is a balanced crossover that is suitable for family trips and city use. Its main advantages are a comfortable suspension, economical engines and a modern interior. However, like any car, it has its shortcomings, which can manifest themselves if used incorrectly or at high mileage.
If you are looking for a reliable car for the city, then you should pay attention to the version with a naturally aspirated 1.6 engine. The turbocharged 1.2 is also good, but requires more attention to maintenance. In any case, before purchasing, it is recommended to conduct a thorough diagnosis by specialists familiar with the model.
Ultimately, Qashqai 2018 remains one of the best offers in its class in terms of price, quality and comfort. The main thing is to choose a car with a transparent service history and be prepared for regular maintenance.
Main conclusion: The 2018 Nissan Qashqai is an excellent choice for the city, but requires regular CVT maintenance and attention to the electrical system.
Which engine is more reliable: 1.2 or 1.6?
It is believed that the naturally aspirated 1.6 liter engine is more reliable and has a longer service life than the turbocharged 1.2. A turbo engine requires higher quality fuel and frequent oil changes, but it is more economical.
What is the real fuel consumption of the 2018 Nissan Qashqai?
In the combined cycle, consumption is 7.5β8.5 liters for the 1.2 engine and 9β10 liters for the 1.6 engine. In the city, the numbers may be higher, especially in traffic jams.
How often does a Jatco CVT break down?
The Jatco variator is reliable with timely oil changes and no overheating. Problems more often arise when driving aggressively or ignoring routine maintenance.
Is a pre-heater required for the Qashqai 2018?
For the 1.2 engine, in severe winters it is recommended to install a pre-heater, since it is more sensitive to low temperatures than the atmospheric 1.6.