CHEAP NEW CAR OF THE MONTH: NISSAN QASHQAI

Car Press has named the versatile Nissan Qashqai as February’s Cheap New Car of the Month.

The recently revised 2010 Nissan Qashqai combines the driving characteristics of a sporty hatchback with the robust, solid virtues of a compact SUV, making it the perfect crossover vehicle for all the family.

THE BASICS:

Since its release in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has become one of the most popular crossover vehicles in the market. In fact, demand of this versatile vehicle is so high that 400 new jobs were created at Nissan’s Sunderland plant just to cope with its popularity! 

Built in Britain and better than ever - the Nissan Qashqai offers the driving characteristics of a sporty hatchback with the robust, solid virtues of a compact SUV. Its clever versatility means it will appeal to drivers of traditional hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Renault Megane - but cheaper production costs also mean that the Qashqai can tempt customers of the Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV and Landrover Freelander.

One of the benefits of the Nissan Qashqai is its high driving position and solid cabin build. Its excellent ride quality and spacious interior mean that both passengers and driver can enjoy luxury driving comfort without comprising on power or performance.

For 2010, the Nissan Qashqai has been revised offering even more car for your money. The extensive restyle and improvements include a new nose and front end, LED lights on the rear and a fine-tuning of the suspension to improve the ride. Nissan have also revamped the interior and have introduced more styling options such as 17'' alloy wheels which give the car an excellent look.

WHAT ABOUT POWER?

While four wheel drive versions are available, the majority of Qashqai sales are for its two wheel drive variants. Currently there are 4 engine choices – two diesel and two petrol. A conventional automatic and continuous variable transmission (CVT) auto gearbox is also available on selected models.

TRIM LEVELS:

Trim levels include the Visia, Accenta, N-Tec and Tekna. The entry level Visia comes with air conditioning, alloy wheels and CD player. The Acenta trim includes cruise control with speed limiter, 6 CD changer in dashboard, dual zone climate control and 17? alloy wheels. The N-Tec range includes bold 18’’ alloy wheels, roof rails, panoramic glass roof and rear view camera. The top-of-the-range Tekna offers 7 speaker Bose sound system, Xenon headlights and Nissan Connect.

SHOW ME THE MONEY:

TO BUY: On the road prices for the new 2010 Nissan Qashqai starts from £15,395 rising to £19,995 for the top-of-the-range Tekna trim. 

TO LEASE: The entry-level 1.6 Visia model is now available to lease from £174.95 + VAT. There are also some fantastic deals on the mid range 1.6 Acenta model which is now available to lease from £189.95 + VAT.

LATEST QASHQAI OFFERS:
Until 31st March, Nissan have a number of offers on the new Qashqai including...

- 3.9% APR Typical
- Save £2000 with Government Scrappage Scheme

Interested in a new Qashqai?
GET DEALER QUOTE on a new Qashqai
GET LEASING QUOTE on a new Qashqai
FIND USED QASHQAI with the CarPress database.

Visit the Nissan section of the CarPress website to find out more about the Nissan Qashqai range

Donna Kelly

08/02/2010