Car Detail

The Nissan Qashqai has become one of the greatest automotive success stories of modern times and is credited with creating what is now known as the 'crossover craze’.

Crossovers are vehicles that combine the handling and running costs of a hatchback or coupe with the spaciousness and versatility of an SUV.

For many families, five seats are adequate but some require six or even seven, which is why Nissan has introduced the Qashqai+2.

As the name suggests, it is a Nissan Qashqai that is longer than the standard model and has the added advantage of two additional seats in the rear.

A 135 mm extended wheelbase and a 210 mm increase in length bring added space for larger families and the ingenious third row of seats can be used by children or for occasional use by adults. Their reclining backrests will fold completely flat without the need to remove the head restraints first, opening up the luggage space to give almost 500 litres of capacity, which is an increase of 90 litres over that of the standard Nissan Qashqai.

The standard full-depth roller-blind tonneau cover can be stored beneath the boot floor when the third row of seats are being used, while the underfloor storage lid can double-up as a cargo divider to keep fragile items separated from heavier objects.

Second row passengers get increased knee room and the 40/20/40 split backrests slide to provide walk-in access to the third row and recline over a range of 15 degrees.  Added versatility is provided by the centre portion which can be folded forward to act as a multi-function armrest with two cup-holders and a lidded storage box large enough to hold personal music players plus a power outlet.

The Nissan Qashqai+2 comes with a huge fixed panoramic glass roof with a sunshade that glides into place at the touch of a button. Rear seat passengers get privacy glass and there are roof bars as standard.

Generally, the Qashqai+2  represents an increase over the standard model of £1800 for Visia grade models, £1850 for Acenta and £1500 for Tekna versions, which will be reflected in higher residual values.

The Nissan Qashqai’s excellent safety credentials include a top five-star crash test score awarded by EuroNCAP for occupant safety, a four-star rating for child protection and two stars for pedestrian safety. The Qashqai+2 shares the same body and built-in safety features. The level of related equipment is comprehensive and extends to the fitting of six airbag systems across the range.

Every Qashqai+2 also comes with anti-whiplash active front head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounting points and three-point belts throughout. All models have Brake Assist and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). ESP electronic stability control is fitted as standard.

The Nissan Qashqai+2 is 210 mm longer and 38 mm taller than the Qashqai and the wheelbase is increased by 135 mm.

The technical line-up is diverse so buyers should be able to find a Qashqai+2 to suit their needs. There are petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions with six speeds plus a continuously variable system and a choice of All-Mode four-wheel drive (badged 4WD) and two-wheel drive (2WD).

Two-wheel-drive versions are powered via the front wheels and are available with both engines, as are the four wheel drive versions.

The most economical choice is the 2.0 dCi diesel, which has a combined average of 42.8mpg. This 148bhp engine drives through a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox and is capable of 120mph performance. Its petrol equivalent is the 2.0, which channels its 138bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT (continuously variable transmission) to give a 120mph maximum speed and 34.4mpg economy. Both are available in 2WD and 4WD guises.

The entry-level 2.0 petrol Qashqai Visia 2WD model is priced at £16,839.  The equivalent diesel Visia model is £18,208. Moving up from Qashqai Visia to Acenta adds £1,550; from Acenta to Tekna £1,150 and each is available with either the petrol or diesel engine in either front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Automatic transmissions are an additional £1,100 while 4WD and the diesel engine both carry a £1,400 premium.  The top of the range is the Tekna Sat Nav Auto for £24,354.

Prices are manufacturer's recommended retail price.  Check out the Offers section for some great Benfield special offers.