Just A Qash-In?
by MIke Grundon (23 Jan 07)

Categorising cars is getting increasingly difficult as more and more manufacturers start looking for unexploited niches in the market. It's certainly the case with the new Nissan Qashqai. Nissan claims it "completely redefines driving in the modern, urban world". It also says it's, "a unique blend of the compact size and manoeuvrability of a hatchback with the tough presence of an SUV to create a charismatic crossover that combines elegance with dynamic strength".

Hmm. Overstating it a bit, perhaps, but defining where Qashqai sits in the market is about as easy as deciding what linguistic tradition its name is meant to come from. The bottom line is it's either a small crossover or a big, butch hatchback, depending on which model you buy. The part time 4x4 version is not a true off-roader and its closest rival is the Toyota RAV4, which is bigger. The two-wheel drive is roomier than hatchbacks but less so than small MPVs.

In summary, it's available in two- or part-time four-wheel drive, with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, two automatic and two manual gearboxes and three grades of specification. Some parts have been developed in collaboration with Renault, prices will range from £13,499 to £23,249, and it'll appear in showrooms on March 1 without the bigger of the two diesel engines which won't be available until June.

Nissan is very keen about the concept - its design and marketing team talk with passion about it as a potent alternative to C-segment cars bringing more cargo space, chunky styling, high position seating and a shedload of extra gadgets. I principally like it for the 4x4 system that all models look like they should feature.

Nissan suggests only a quarter of buyers are likely to want it but I'm uncomfortable with image-over-content. If it looks like a 4x4, it should be a 4x4. Imagine explaining to a doubtful neighbour why you can't give them a safe lift to work when it’s snowing.

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