Engine and range options for the Nissan Qashqai Mk2
Nissan originally launched the Qashqai with three engines - a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 115hp, and then a pair of modest capacity turbodiesels. There was a 1.5 dCi with 110hp and a 1.6 dCi with 130hp. Gearbox choices were the six-speed manual or an Xtronic CVT, serving as the automatic option, while Nissan even offered four-wheel drive on the 1.6 dCi versions of the Qashqai.
In other markets, a 1.6-litre DIG-T joined the ranks in 2015 and boosted the peak output of the Qashqai to 163hp, but we never took that model in Ireland. Instead, the Qashqai was subjected to a modest technology and visual update in 2017, before a raft of new engines were then introduced in late 2018 to further freshen up Nissan's showroom juggernaut.
Phasing out the 1.2 DIG-T and the 1.6 dCi in one fell swoop (the 1.5 dCi continued, although it was significantly redeveloped, fitted with AdBlue SCR technology and lifted to 115hp), a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit was drafted in with two power outputs, 140- and 160hp, both of which were sold her. Meanwhile, a new 1.7-litre dCi diesel also made an appearance and was rated at 150hp. A seven-speed dual-clutch auto arrived at the same time, although it was only available on selected models. The offer of four-wheel drive continued, on the high-powered diesel only.
Nissan, throughout the Qashqai Mk2's life, employed its usual trim hierarchy of XE, SE, SV (later SV Premium) and then SVE. Even base XE models got LED signature daytime running lights, keyless entry, a five-inch colour screen in the cluster, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connections, DAB, air conditioning, body-coloured electric and heated mirrors and Hill-Start Assist. The SE upgraded that kit list with a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, front foglamps, a six-speaker (instead of four) stereo, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, folding door mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, a set of roof rails, a touchscreen infotainment system with (latterly) Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice recognition for various interior controls and a rear-view camera too.
Stepping up to SV, the alloys were enlarged to 18s, while an engine start button increased the Qashqai's keyless capabilities. The SV received the Safety Shield as standard, too, which includes pedestrian forward emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and High-Beam Assist, all of which were options on the XE and SE. These SV/SV Premium models also got an Around-View Monitor 360-degree exterior camera system and rear USB sockets, with the optional extras at this level being bi-LED headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), half-leather upholstery with heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver's seat, ProPilot semi-autonomous driving features and then Safety Shield Plus - incorporating Blind-Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection, Driver Attention Alert and Intelligent Park Assist.
Top SVE variants were fitted with 19-inch alloys, as well as the bi-LED headlights with AFLS and Safety Shield Plus, as standard. They also benefitted from Nappa premium leather seats, electric front seats for both occupants, a black headlining in the cabin and various silver bits of detailing on the exterior and within the car. Options for the flagship Qashqai amounted to a Bose eight-speaker premium sound system (which necessitated the deletion of the 'spacesaver' spare wheel), ProPilot and also a plum-coloured finish for the black-as-standard Nappa hide.
How much is it to tax the Nissan Qashqai Mk2?
Refer to our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for the up-to-date cost to tax the Nissan Qashqai.