NISSAN QASHQAI HATCHBACK 1.3 DiG-T MH N-Connecta [Glass Roof] 5dr

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Nissan went all-out to keep this third generation Qashqai ahead of an increasingly competitive chasing pack in the volume brand part of the mid-sized family SUV segment. So it was smarter, classier, cleverer, quieter, better equipped and more sophisticated. Let's check the earlier 2020-2024-era version of this J12 design out as a used buy.

Models

5dr SUV (1.3 DIG-T petrol / 1.5 e-POWER petrol)

History

Today, our roads are full of Crossover models, compact family-sized SUV-style hatches that blend the practicality of a family five-door with the lifestyle looks of a 4x4. Nissan didn't invent this concept, but they've done more than any other brand to perfect it, most notably with this car, the Qashqai. And in its third generation J12 form back in 2021, this car was rejuvenated - as we're going to see. It's strange now to think what a gamble this model line seemed to represent when the first generation J10 version of this design was originally launched back in 2007. Nissan had to make it work because they had no alternative conventional Focus-sized hatch to sell - and they did. Sales took off - and continued strongly with a second generation J11 model launched in 2014, then heavily updated in 2017. By 2021, the mid-sized family SUV sector was crowded with rivals from just about every brand - small wonder given that by then, Qashqai-size crossovers were making up 15 percent of the European market and their share was continuing to grow at the expense of family hatchbacks and estates. Commentators like us still often call this segment from this period the 'Qashqai class', referencing Nissan's invariable sales leadership within it. But by 2021, times were changing: was the original still the best? With this MK3 J12 design, the brand wanted us to think so and loaded this larger, smarter, sharper-looking MK3 Qashqai model with all of its latest tech to make sure. Like its predecessors, the third-generation 'J12' version of this Nissan was as much a British product as any modern car these days ever is. As before, it was built in the UK - by 2021 the Japanese company's UK plant in Sunderland had produced over three million Qashqais since the original. Plus the J12 Qashqai was designed at the brand's styling studio in Paddington - and engineered at its technical centre in Cranfield. Nissan claimed this 'J12'-series version would be much better to drive, would offer more space, would be more efficient - and would even be better-smelling: yes, really. A clever e-POWER engine option arrived in 2022. And the range received a thorough update in mid-2024. It's the pre-facelift 2021-2024-era versions of this J12 design we look at here.

What You Get

One of the challenges of reinvigorating a car based on a successful formula is to get the balance of fresh and familiar just right. And this 'gen-three' Qashqai rather hit the sweet spot, incorporating some recognisable elements into a contemporary shape that was usefully evolved. At first glance, you might think it quite similar to the previous generation model: look again. The double chrome trimmed V-Motion central grille is much deeper and the upper and lower parts of the headlamps, with this J12 of the full-LED variety, are separated by a colour-coded 'Qashqai'-branded trim strip. At the side, this MK3 Qashqai met the crossover fashion criteria of its moment. 'Floating' roof, optionally available in black? Tick. Kick-up body line over the rear wheelarches? Tick. Black cladding for the wheel arches and the lower body? Tick. It's when viewed from behind that this J12-series Qashqai design is most restrained - and perhaps most familiar, with wrap-around rear lights that offer a gentle evolution from those of the generation 2 model, slimmer and separated by spaced-out letters below the Nissan badge. And up front inside? Well you'd feel a sense of familiarity here if you'd regularly used the previous generation model day-in, day-out; the logical layout, the gear shifter angle and a seating position that's half way between SUV and family hatch. Yet you'd also appreciate that everything's been brought up to date, with smarter switchgear and a central touchscreen that sits on top of the dashboard rather than being buried into it; plusher models get the advanced 'NissanConnect' centre screen in a 9-inch size, and it's complemented further up the range by a 12.3-inch customisable instrument display. Softer-touch materials and more sophisticated instruments seek to promote the feeling of greater luxury than you might expect from the price tag, embellished on upper-spec models by classy ambient lighting and the largest head-up display in the segment. In addition, there's a reasonable amount of storage space, build quality from the Sunderland plant feels pretty good and Nissan even thought a lot about how this Qashqai smells inside, taking steps to ensure materials don't create any unpleasant odours as use and age gradually erode the 'new car' aroma. Back seat passengers should be reasonably happy. There's 28mm more legroom than in a 'gen-2' Qashqai and headroom is up by 15mm - or at least it would be on a model without the optional huge glass roof which, if you can live with the slightly lower ceiling height, gives an agreeably airy feel to the interior. Six-footers should just about fit. This rear bench doesn't do anything clever like reclining - or sliding (as it would do in a rival Volkswagen Tiguan or Skoda Karoq): and you wouldn't be very comfortable sitting for any real period in the centre of it, legs astride the transmission tunnel. Still, contoured seat backs and the space you get to slide your shoes beneath the front chairs make this part of the car feel reasonably spacious. Right: let's finish with considering the boot. The hatch reveals a wide and deep aperture, and the lip's sensibly low. Nissan redesigned the suspension of this MK3 Qashqai, giving a useful loadspace capacity increase of 50-litres, providing 504-litres with all seats in place, enough to take up to seven carry-on cases. The plus side of spending a bit more money on trim and avoiding the first two spec levels is that you get a super-useful 'luggage board' arrangement. The two removable lower panels create a flat cargo base, with a usefully-sized and invisible storage area below, into which the parcel shelf can fit. Once everything's retracted, up to 1,447 litres is freed up - useful, but nowhere near class-leading. Still, that'll probably be quite sufficient for most customers.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

There are various things a used buyer has to look out for here. We've heard of a system and engine warning message at start up which in some cases led to a power reduction - solved only be restarting the car. And navigation updating issues can occur with the centre screen. The auto gearbox can be jerky when pulling off. The mileage clock can reset on its own. The audio system can exhibit very poor DAB reception. And the media set-up can be unresponsive. Check all of these things on your test drive. We've not come across any specific e-POWER drivetrain issues. Otherwise, just check for the usual side panel and alloy wheels scrapes - and signs of child damage or luggage scrapes inside.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2022 Qashqai e-POWER - Ex Vat autodoc.co.uk) An oil filter is in the £4-£13 bracket. An air filter is in the £14-£61 bracket. Front brake discs cost in the £94-£114 bracket. Rear brake discs cost in the £22-£73 bracket. A wiper blade's in the £4-£10 bracket. A pollen filter's in the £7-£28 bracket.

On the Road

Despite its family-friendly brief, the Nissan Qashqai has always been quite fun to drive and the changes made to this J12 design ensured that it continued to be. Fundamentally, this was down to the introduction of this car's new Common Module Family C/D platform, which provided for a body shell that was 48% stiffer and made a major contribution to a weight-saving campaign that saw this larger model shed 60kgs compared to its slightly smaller predecessor. You don't always feel changes like that with cars these days, but you can here. Rather unusually in a class where driving enjoyment tends not to be prioritised, this Nissan immediately feels a little more agile and eager than your average mid-sized SUV, an impression that was aided here by the introduction of a quicker steering rack. Which is about as far as you can go towards sportiness with a car of this kind, given that customer priorities with family crossovers usually tend to lie elsewhere. Primarily with comfort, which was helped here by the way the stiffer bodyshell allowed the conventional torsion beam suspension that most models used to be a little softer than before, only bigger bumps causing thuds to be felt in the cabin. That set-up was lightly embellished for this third generation model, as was the mainstream 1.3-litre petrol engine that most customers chose, which gained a light dusting of 12V mild hybrid electrification. This four cylinder unit was offered with either 140PS and manual transmission; or with 158PS and a choice of either manual or 'Xtronic' CVT auto transmission. Choose the auto and you'll have the further option of having your Qashqai with 4WD. But that'll have an impact on efficiency, which in the manual front-driven 'Tekna'-spec 158PS model is rated at a best of 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and 145g/km of CO2. If you want to do better, then you'll need to look at the other engine option on offer, Nissan's e-Power self-charging Hybrid drivetrain. This is a proper Hybrid; the powerplant's 1.5-litre 158PS petrol engine is primarily there to act as a generator to charge the 2kWh battery pack, which then powers an electric motor driving the wheels, which get a combined petrol/electric output of 190PS.

Overall

Building a Crossover vehicle is easy. Building one as good as this Qashqai is a whole lot tougher, as competitors have found. Nissan did all the expected things in order to keep this third generation design current - sharper looks, a degree of engine electrification, a bit more interior space - but at heart, this Qashqai offers much the same kind of family-orientated crossover package. Which existing customers will very much like. So, how to summarise? Will fresh converts be attracted to this J12-era model? That's difficult to say. From the 2021-2024 period, there's an awful lot of competition from an awful lot of very talented rivals out there. And in this form, the Qashqai is no longer the bargain it once was. Still, this remains a car from a brand that clearly knows its market. It's still a benchmark. And it's still a starting point for anyone buying in this segment.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Splash free rain sensing wipers

Auto rear wiper when reversing

One touch front and rear electric windows with remote opening and closing

Super UV and infrared cut glass

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Auto hold function

ABS with EBD and brake assist

Active brake limited slip

Vehicle dynamic control

Intelligent front emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist recognition and junction assist

Intelligent rear automatic braking

Intelligent blind spot intervention

Communication

Wireless apple carplay

Android auto/Apple CarPlay (Wired)

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Electric speed sensitive power steering

Lane departure warning system

Front and rear parking sensors

Intelligent Cruise control (ICC)

Rear cross traffic alert

Moving object detection

Blind spot warning

Intelligent around view monitor

Intelligent lane intervention

Intelligent driver alert system

Lane departure prevention

Traffic sign recognition with legal speed adjustment

Intelligent forward collision warning

Drive modes (sport, normal, eco)

Maximum speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Push button starter

Idle stop/start system

Driver Information

Trip computer

Emergency and breakdown call

Virtual personal assistant and firmware over the air capability

Remote control services - door locks, lights, horn and car locator

Telematics - notifications and connectivity services

Google maps services - search, weather, 3D maps and Google street view

TomTom live traffic services

Nissan connect navigation

Full Digital 12.3" TFT Digital Combimeter

Nissan connect 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour mirror caps

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED turn indicator

Electric auto folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Interior instrumental panel B finisher

Entertainment

6 speakers

Bluetooth audio streaming

Front USB connections (Type-A and Type-C)

Rear USB charging only ports (Type-A and Type-C)

AM/FM audio system with DAB

Exterior Body Features

Rear roof spoiler

Bodyside mouldings

Body coloured door handles

Shark fin antenna

Partially body coloured bumpers

Chrome side window finisher

Rear styling plate

Rear side wing doors

Door handle with button

Rear bumper with graphite insert

Exterior Lights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

High beam assist

LED rear lights

Intelligent auto headlights

Automatic hazard signal with emergency stop signal

Three blink turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

Rear reversing light (bulb lighting)

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic climate control with pollen filter

Interior Features

Front cupholders x 2

Chrome interior door handles

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Centre console storage tray

Multifunction steering wheel

Front and rear door storage

2x Rear coat hooks

Front centre console and armrest

Rear door bottle holders

Steering wheel switches

Luggage board system

6 Luggage hooks - 4 on floor, 2 on side

Cloth monoform upholstery

12v power socket in dashboard and luggage

Front door with bottle holders

Leather shift knob

Hard trunk cover

Soft PVC kneepad

4 folding assist grip

Interior Lights

Glovebox with light

Luggage space lighting

Welcome light and console tray ambient lighting

Ambient lighting around centre console

Packs

Glass roof pack with roof rails - Qashqai

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Child locks on rear doors

Driver, passenger and 2nd row rear seat belt reminder

Curtain and front side, far side airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Seats

Height adjustable driver's seat

Passenger seat back pocket

Height adjustable front headrests

Driver seat back pocket

3 rear headrests

6-way manually adjustable driver's seat

Height adjustable passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat bench

Two rear isofix child seat anchorage points with top tether

Manually adjustable passenger (slide recline + lifter)

Electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Engine immobiliser

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Intelligent Key

Capless fuel filler

Remote central door locking with deadlocking

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" Diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Noise Level dB(A): 66

Particles: N

HC+NOx: 0.019

NOx: 0.01

HC: 0.009

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO: 0.196

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 146

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 144

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: HR13

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72.2

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 81.4

CC: 1332

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 43.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 44.1

General

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

Generation Mark: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 1.3

Badge Power: 140

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Safety Assist %: 95

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91

Special Edition: 0

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 12E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Series: N-Connecta Glass Rf

Coin Description: DiG-T MH

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Top Speed: 122

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.2

Engine Power - BHP: 140

Engine Power - KW: 103

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 177

Engine Torque - NM: 240

Engine Torque - RPM: 1650

Engine Torque - MKG: 24.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2665

Width (including mirrors): 2084

Height: 1625

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1835

Length: 4425

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1935

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1

Minimum Kerbweight: 1373

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 700

Max. Loading Weight: 562

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 479

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1427

Communication

Wireless charging pad

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Two tone pearlescent paint

Special solid paint

Special metallic paint

Two Tone Metallic paint

Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Ink blue

Metallic - Pearl black

Metallic - Blade silver

Metallic - Gun metallic

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Ceramic grey

Pearl - Storm white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Flame red

Paint - Special

Special solid - Arctic white

Special metallic - Burgundy

Special metallic - Fuji sunset red

Special metallic - Magnetic blue

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone metallic - Black/grey roof

Two tone pearl - Ceramic grey/pearl black roof

Two tone pearl - Fuji sunset red/pearl black roof

Two tone pearl - Magnetic blue/pearl black roof

Two tone pearl - Storm white/pearl black roof

Trim - Cloth

Cloth monoform - Charcoal