An interesting concept, Quashqai. The family hatch market is quickly diminishing, but at the same time the SUV market is going mad. Add to this the problem of SUVs having a reputation for greedy petrol guzzling and it isn't hard to see why someone should produce something that looks like a 4X4, has all the practicalities of a 4X4, but isn't!
Enter the Quashqai. Although 4-wheel drive is available, this is not an off-roader. The competition it is aiming for is the Focus and the Golf, not that Rav 4.
Power comes from two diesel engines: 1.5ltr and 2.0ltr; and two petrol engines: 1.6ltr and 2.0ltr. The two diesels are stronger than either of the petrol options so provide the best performance. Power is put to the road through a 5- or 6-speed manual, traditional automatic or a continuous variable transmission box. 4-wheel drive is available on the two 2.0ltr versions, although the system used puts the power to two wheels the majority of the time anyway.
Although not in the league of the Focus or Golf, the ride is good for such a high car because of its independent suspension and low centre of gravity. The steering is electric power steering and is as communicative as any of this type. Insurance groups 5-10
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Nissan QASHQAI.