Nissan Qashqai high-tech wonder (From Bournemouth Echo)

Nissan Qashqai high-tech wonder

12:52pm Tuesday 18th August 2009 in

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THE N-tec sits between the rangetopping Tekna and Acenta, which are designed, engineered and built in Britain.

The main exterior changes to the Sunderland-produced award-winning model are new 18-inch wheels, satin silver roof bars and door handles and rear privacy glass, all of which gives a much slicker look to the already well styled Qashqai.

On the technology front, Nissan has added the latest satellite navigation system called Nissan Connect.

The system is extremely easy to use and includes a CD player, aux-in socket and USB port for full iPod connection, enabling you to view all your music tracks on the five-inch satellite navigation screen, which includes a full postcode search facility and Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile.

This is currently one of the most complete systems available on the market; I wish every car was fitted with this technology as standard.

The satellite navigation was put to the test when I made a visit to a very rural location near Blandford, Dorset.

The system found my destination quickly and I arrived at exactly the right place with no wrong turns.

Nissan has also added a huge panoramic glass roof which is an optional extra on other models, along with an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver alloy pedals.

There is also a rather slick full-colour rear reversing camera which is engaged as soon as you select reverse. This is a useful tool when reversing into those tight spots and also very handy for seeing smaller people walking behind the car.

Fuel economy is a very respectable 54.3mpg on the combined cycle, even with the larger 18-inch wheels fitted, and with CO2 emission of just 139g/km, this puts the N-tec in the 18 per cent benefit in kind tax band.

The N-tec keeps all the traditional strengths of the Qashqai, such as the good driving experience, commanding driving position compared to its immediate rivals and its exceptionally well-built interior.

Handling is improved marginally when cornering hard, due to the slightly lower-profile tyres on the 18- inch wheels, thankfully not affecting the ride quality.

There is still plenty of interior space and the N-tec easily accommodates five adults in comfort.

The 14-litre glovebox is ideal for keeping valuables out of sight and with a boot capacity of 410 litres increasing to 1,513 with the rear seats folded flat, you will always have space.

Safety equipment as standard includes ABS, EBD (electronic brake distribution), driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, front seatbelts with load limiter and pre-tensioners.

All of this ensures the Qashqai scored the maximum five stars in the Euro N-CAP tests for passenger protection.

The Qashqai continues to strengthen its position with the fleet market, where in May it was reported to be the 10th most popular fleet choice, selling 7,640 units.

N-tec models are available in 1.6- litre petrol 5-speed manual 2WD, 1.5- litre diesel 6-speed 2WD manual, 2.0- litre diesel or 2.0-litre petrol CVT or 6-speed manual with either 2WD or 4WD.