Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Petrol Visia (Nissan Qashqai)

Member Name: Trikki

Product:	Nissan Qashqai
Date:	14/05/09 (631 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great car, excellent value!

Disadvantages: None as yet!

I have just got a 09 plate Nissan Qashqai Visia 1.6 petrol engine. I thought about purchasing but decided to lease instead - opting for a 3 year lease deal which also includes the annual car tax for the duration of the lease. There is no balloon payment at the end and I simply hand the car back to the lease company.

I have always driven small cars (Clio, Fiesta, C3 etc) but wanted a bigger family car. The lease company suggested the Qashqai and at first I hesitated because it seemed so much bigger to what I had been used to. It took a little while to get used to size wise but it drives like a small car. However, now that I have driven it I think it's fantastic and would be reluctant to go back to a small car. I like the fact that it's robust and elevated and feel very safe driving in it. It's an ideal family car at a very reasonable price. Compare it to its rivals pricewise and it's very, very competitive. The Visia is the base model but has some nice features. For example, from the driver's seat you are able to control all four electronic windows; great when there's children in the rear. Also, there is a one switch button which locks the doors externally; a worthwhile safety feature.

There is also air-conditioning, and various buttons to control the audio system from the steering wheel. There are some nice touches like the leather gearstick and steering wheel. I did test drive a model that had electronic wing mirrors and a rear-parking sensor which I would have liked to have had. I would say that I would lease another one but would probably opt for the middle of the road range. The on road driving experience is very comfortable and acceleration is good - it's the first 1.6 I've driven so I couldn't really say how it compares to other cars. Petrol consumption is good - there's an digital milometer which again can be controlled from the i button on the steering wheel. So far it's seems good on petrol.

Overall, this is a fantastic car and the price whether you buy or lease cannot be faulted. My husband likes it and the kids love it as there's ample room all round. One of the reasons I wanted a bigger car was that when I did the school run in a small car I felt surrounded by kids, book bags, musical instruments, PE kit etc. However, in the Qashqai there is so much room - go and have a look as I think this is a fantastic car. Cosmetically, it looks the business. I opted for the black model which has the silver chrome work. When I told friends I was having one many people said they didn't know what it looked like. However, many friends have commented on how good this car looks - it looks expensive but it's a good price compared to similar models. Go and have a look today - you'll be impressed.

Summary: First hand experience of a 09 Qashqai 1.6 Petol

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