In a world completely dominated by SUVs, the 2018 Nissan Qashqai represents an up and coming heavy hitter. Nissan’s most popular crossover SUV has always been a top contender in its class segment, starting with the first generation over a decade ago. It set the trend for other manufacturers to follow, and has been constantly improved to remain at the top throughout the years. As popular as the first generation was, with the introduction of the second-gen, Nissan turned the SUV world on its head once again.
The 2018 Nissan Qashqai is a prime example of why big changes are not always the answer. Although it received minor updates to keep it up to date over the years, it still adheres to the same basic principles and the same formula as the original. There’s a reason why it’s one of Britain’s best-selling cars, and indeed, the world. Nissan has found the perfect recipe and they’ve simply perfected it throughout the years. The small changes here and there do add up and make for something new and fresh year in and year out.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Nissan has done an excellent job on the front end of the 2018 Qashqai. The first generation Qashqai proved to be really popular, and changing the styling altogether would have been disastrous for Nissan. So, they did the sensible thing of course and changed the exterior just enough to make the second-gen car distinguishable from the first, but not enough to completely severe ties with its ancestor. If you look at a second gen 2017 Nissan Qashqai parked next to a first gen version, you’d immediately see that it’s from the same bloodline.
The facelifted second-gen Qashqai proved to be the cherry on top of the cake. Nissan tweaked the front and the rear fascia, making the Qashqai more aggressive and giving it a lot more presence. The LED daytime running lights are now more emphasized, and the grille has that traditional V shape bringing it in line with all the other current Nissan vehicles.
While the 2018 Nissan Qashqai isn’t a large SUV, it does have great proportions and plays the part of compact crossover SUV perfectly. It’s perfect proportions give a the exterior dimensions show it. The only criticism you can give the 2018 Qashqai is that the rear fascia isn’t as distinctive as the front. While there’s nothing wrong with it, it’s design is made to look average when compared to the beautifully styled front end. Still, the slightly redesigned 2018 Qashqai improves on the exterior look with a different bumper and more distinct taillights which have been pushed out into the panels.
INTUITIVE INTERIOR
The interior of the 2018 Nissan Qashqai receives some substantial upgrades in the form of premium fit and finish with great quality materials. Although Nissan never had any issues with build quality, it’s nice to see that even the smaller vehicles in their lineup are not overlooked.
There’s plenty of room in all rows, and there’s so much headroom you can easily sit people taller than 6ft in the back. Naturally, you get a plethora of passive and active safety features as standard, as well as optional. Nissan’s Safety Shield features Forward Emergency Breaking, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert.
ENGINE AND DRIVE
Nissan makes life easy by offering only one ideal engine option for the 2018 Qashqai, delivering efficiency and power in the process. Although Europe gets the excellent dCi diesel units from Renault, North America receives the even better gasoline variants of Nissan’s new and improved range.
Powered by a 2.0L engine outputting 141hp and 147 lb-ft of torque, you might think that it’s a small engine for such a large crossover, but the reality is that the Qashqai isn’t that heavy. The motor is willing to rev and pulls cleanly from any rpm. It’s a fuel efficient little gem. Power is transmitted to a front-wheel drive as standard, while you have the option to upgrade to an intelligent all-wheel drive system. Power is sent through to the wheels via a six-speed manual or a smooth and quiet Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
Overall, the ride is pleasant, smooth and doesn’t feel underpowered despite the low hp numbers. Easy maneuverability due to its compact size, precise handling and steering feedback and zippy accelerations at lower speeds all come together to create a happy and straightforward drivability.
PROPILOT ASSIST
The ProPILOT Assist featured offered on the 2018 Nissan Qashqai is the exemplifies how close we are to autonomous driving. This handy feature makes driving both safer and more convenient by combining the Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist driving features into a package Nissan calls ProPILOT Assist.
Intelligent Cruise Control holds your speed like traditional cruise control, but goes one step further by maintaining a preset distance behind the vehicle ahead. This feature is applied to the entire spectrum of speed and goes as far as stopping the Qashqai when the traffic ahead stops. It then accelerates for you automatically when everything resumes.
The Steering Assist feature allows you to maintain control while it helps adjust your steering whenever you drift over lane markings. This feature works whether travelling in a straight line or during turns.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2018 Nissan Qashqai is still king when it comes to crossover SUVs. Gorgeous styling, second-to-none fit and finish and zippy power mixed with incredibly fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2018 Qashqai delivers the ideal combination of versatility, performance and quality for those in search of a compact crossover SUV.
