Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Nissan Qashqai 2015 with the 1.2-liter petrol engine. This car has been a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike, and for good reason. It blends the practicality of an SUV with the maneuverability of a hatchback. But is it the right choice for you? Let's break it down.

Overview of the Nissan Qashqai 2015

The Nissan Qashqai, known as the Nissan Rogue Sport in the US, is a compact crossover SUV that has been making waves in the automotive market since its introduction. The 2015 model is part of the second generation and brings with it a host of improvements and features that make it a strong contender in its class.

Design and Features

Let's talk about the looks first. The Qashqai boasts a stylish and modern design, with sleek lines and a distinctive front grille. It’s not overly aggressive, but it’s definitely eye-catching. Inside, you'll find a well-designed cabin with decent materials, although some might find it a bit plasticky in certain areas. The seats are comfortable, making it suitable for long drives, and there's ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with all the essential controls within easy reach.

In terms of features, the 2015 Qashqai comes with a range of goodies, depending on the trim level. You can expect to find features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a rearview camera. Higher trims might include features like a panoramic sunroof, satellite navigation, and advanced safety systems like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The infotainment system is user-friendly, but it's not the most responsive on the market. However, it gets the job done for basic tasks like playing music and making calls.

Performance and Handling

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the 1.2-liter petrol engine. This engine produces around 115 horsepower, which might not sound like much, but it’s adequate for city driving and everyday commuting. The Qashqai accelerates smoothly and provides enough power for overtaking, although you might need to downshift on steeper inclines. The engine is relatively refined, but it can get a bit noisy when pushed hard.

The handling is where the Qashqai shines. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride on most road surfaces. It soaks up bumps and potholes without much fuss, making it a pleasant car to drive around town. However, it's not the most exciting car to drive on twisty roads. The body roll is noticeable, and it lacks the sharpness of some of its competitors. But for most drivers, the Qashqai offers a good balance of comfort and handling.

Fuel Economy

One of the main advantages of the 1.2-liter petrol engine is its fuel efficiency. The Qashqai delivers impressive fuel economy figures, making it an economical choice for daily use. You can expect to get around 45-50 mpg on average, which is excellent for a crossover SUV. This makes it a great option for those who want to save money on fuel without sacrificing practicality.

Diving Deeper: The 1.2 Petrol Engine

Alright, let's zoom in on that 1.2-liter petrol engine. This little guy is part of Nissan's efforts to offer more fuel-efficient options, and it's a turbocharged engine, which means it packs a decent punch despite its small size.

Performance in Detail

Okay, so the 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine in the 2015 Nissan Qashqai is designed for efficiency. It's not going to win any races, but it provides a respectable 115 horsepower and around 190 Nm of torque. What does that mean in the real world? Well, it's pretty good for zipping around town. The turbocharger helps give it a bit of extra oomph when you need to accelerate, so you won't feel like you're struggling to keep up with traffic.

However, don't expect it to be a powerhouse. If you're planning on doing a lot of highway driving with a full load of passengers and luggage, you might find it a bit underpowered. Overtaking can require some planning, and you'll probably need to drop a gear to get the most out of it. But for everyday driving, it's perfectly adequate.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Now, here's where the 1.2 petrol engine really shines: fuel efficiency. Nissan claims that you can get around 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers (that's about 50 mpg) on a combined cycle. In the real world, you'll probably see something closer to 6-7 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on your driving style and conditions. But even so, that's pretty impressive for a crossover SUV.

And it's not just about saving money on fuel. The 1.2 petrol engine also produces relatively low emissions, which is good for the environment. It meets Euro 6 standards, so you can feel good about doing your part to reduce pollution.

Reliability and Maintenance

So, how reliable is this engine? Well, generally speaking, the 1.2 petrol engine is pretty solid. It's a well-engineered unit that's been around for a few years, so most of the kinks have been worked out. However, like any turbocharged engine, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance. That means changing the oil and filter on time, keeping an eye on the coolant level, and making sure the spark plugs are in good condition.

One thing to watch out for is carbon buildup on the intake valves. This is a common problem with direct-injection engines, and it can lead to reduced performance and fuel economy. To prevent this, you might want to consider using a fuel additive that's designed to clean the intake valves. Also, make sure to use high-quality fuel, as this can help reduce the risk of carbon buildup.

Interior and Comfort

Let’s step inside the 2015 Nissan Qashqai and see what it has to offer in terms of interior and comfort. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time in here, so it's important that it's a pleasant place to be.

Cabin Design and Materials

The cabin of the Qashqai is well-designed and functional. It's not the most luxurious interior you'll ever see, but it's certainly not bad. The dashboard is logically laid out, with all the controls within easy reach. The materials are decent, with soft-touch plastics on the upper parts of the dashboard and door panels. However, there are some hard plastics in other areas, which can make it feel a bit cheap in places.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, with good bolstering to keep you in place during cornering. The driving position is also good, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel. This makes it easy to find a comfortable position, even on long journeys.

Space and Practicality

One of the great things about the Qashqai is its spacious interior. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, so even taller passengers will be comfortable. The rear seats can also recline, which is a nice touch for long journeys.

The Qashqai also has a decent-sized boot, with 430 liters of space. That's enough for a few suitcases or a weekly grocery shop. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more space, which is handy for carrying larger items. The boot floor is adjustable, so you can create a flat loading area when the rear seats are folded down.

Features and Technology

The 2015 Qashqai comes with a range of features and technology, depending on the trim level. Even the base models come with a decent amount of equipment, including air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trim levels add features like satellite navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a rearview camera.

The infotainment system is user-friendly, but it's not the most advanced system on the market. The touchscreen is responsive, but the graphics are a bit dated. However, it does the job for basic tasks like playing music and making calls.

Driving Experience

Let's get behind the wheel and talk about the driving experience of the 2015 Nissan Qashqai with the 1.2 petrol engine.

On the Road

The Qashqai is a comfortable and easy car to drive. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride on most road surfaces. It soaks up bumps and potholes without much fuss, making it a pleasant car to drive around town.

On the open road, the Qashqai is stable and composed. It's not the most exciting car to drive, but it's perfectly adequate for long journeys. The engine is relatively refined, but it can get a bit noisy when pushed hard. The wind and road noise are also well-suppressed, making it a relaxing car to travel in.

Handling and Performance

The handling of the Qashqai is safe and predictable. It's not a sports car, but it's perfectly competent in the corners. The body roll is well-controlled, and the car feels stable and planted. The brakes are also strong and responsive, providing plenty of stopping power.

The performance of the 1.2 petrol engine is adequate for most situations. It's not the fastest car on the road, but it has enough power for everyday driving. The turbocharger helps give it a bit of extra oomph when you need to accelerate, so you won't feel like you're struggling to keep up with traffic.

In the City

The Qashqai is a great car for city driving. Its compact size and light steering make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is also well-suited to dealing with potholes and other road imperfections. The engine is responsive and fuel-efficient, making it a great choice for stop-and-go traffic.

Final Verdict

So, is the Nissan Qashqai 2015 with the 1.2 petrol engine a good car? Absolutely! It's a practical, comfortable, and fuel-efficient crossover SUV that's perfect for families and urban dwellers alike. It may not be the most exciting car on the road, but it offers a great balance of features, performance, and value.

If you're looking for a reliable and affordable crossover SUV, the Nissan Qashqai 2015 is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to do your research and choose the right trim level and options to suit your needs.