Why I bought a Nissan Qashqai

TopAuto reader Gareth is a Nissan man, having sold his Juke to upgrade to a Qashqai in 2019.

While the Juke was a good car, he said the step up to the Qashqai was the right move.

Gareth shared his Nissan Qashqai ownership experience with TopAuto, below.

Which model do you own?

I own a 2017 Nissan Qashqai.

When did you get the car?

I bought the Qashqai at a Nissan dealership in Midrand in December 2019.

It was used with 58,000km on the clock.

What are your three favourite things about the car?

The space in the cabin is excellent; its shape and styling is attractive, and the car is pretty to look at; and it has an elegant and smooth ride.

Which three things do you like least about the car?

The 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol engine is a bit sluggish on take-off and getting used to an automatic transmission – after always driving manuals – has taken some time.

This car is no speed demon, either, and if you are looking for a quick response, this isn’t the car for you.

What is it like to drive your car every day?

The Qashqai is such a smooth drive, with sufficient power delivered by the engine once you are up to speed.

My favourite feature, however, is its cabin size.

What is the hardest journey you have done with your car?

I drove from Johannesburg to Ballito over the festive period in misty, rainy conditions in the early morning. It was a challenge.

However, the Qashqai behaved beautifully. It was a responsive drive, with low road noise and a feeling of safety due to the smoothness of the ride and multiple gadgets.

It was economical, too, which helps the wallet.

Would you recommend your car to friends and family?

Absolutely, the Qashqai is a great family car.

The Qashqai is a pleasant upgrade from my previous vehicle – a 1.6 Juke – which was also a great little city car to drive, with a lot of spirit and energy.

I always felt like my little Juke tried so hard for me, though, punching above its weight in and around town.

An added bonus was that the Juke is not high on the shopping list for vehicle thieves and hijackings.

I will probably need to be more aware in the Qashqai.