Nissan has added a new technology-loaded N-tec trim level to its ultra-successful Qashqai, offering satnav, reversing camera, Bluetooth and auxiliary and USB sockets. Priced at £1650 above the Acenta trim, N-tec also brings stunning 18-inch alloys, panoramic roof, rear privacy glass and other cosmetic features, making it look outstanding value for the step up in price.
The chrome and dramatic alloys mean the N-tec stands out for looks, and a cost per mile figure of 44.0p is decent if not outstanding. The 1.5-litre engine we tested is also plenty competent enough and never feels underpowered, which is handy given it’s the only diesel model that gets below the 161g/km capital allowance boundary. The only drawback is that ESP anti-skid control isn’t fitted as standard with the 1.5 diesel or 1.6 petrol models until you get to the top spec, which is surprising given most of its rivals fit the essential safety kit as standard across the range.
Otherwise, the Qashqai is still the same well-driving, well-built and practical model that’s been such a surprise hit for Nissan, making it the firm’s biggest-selling model in Europe.
The N-tec is certainly the trim level of choice, if you can justify the £1650 step up from Acenta trim level. Maybe opting for the lower-powered diesel rather than the 2.0-litre and taking a higher trim instead could be the sensible option for both company and driver.
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