2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T first drive

The sole petrol-powered version in the Nissan Qashqai range at launch. The Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T produces marginally more power and significantly more torque than the 1.6-litre petrol engine that was featured in the original model. Unsurprisingly then that at launch, it is expected to be the biggest-selling engine, accounting for some 42 per cent of sales.

The new car also records improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions than the model it replaces: 50.4mpg and 129g/km plays 45.6mpg and 144g/km. 

As with the rest of the range, the Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T features start-stop as standard as well as a regenerative alternator, but is only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. Those seeking automatic or four-wheel-drive versions will be fulfilled only by variants of the 1.6-litre diesel. 

Like all two-wheel-drive versions of the 2014 Nissan Qashqai, it employs MacPherson strut front suspension and a twist beam rear. And like the rest of the Mk2 Qashqai range, double-piston shock absorbers, which are intended to be capable of producing both a good ride over both low- and high-frequency bumps and a completely reengineered power-steering system.

The second-generation Nissan Qashqai is some 47mm longer, 20mm wider and 15mm lower than the model it replaces. It is undeniably more attractive than the last car, but loses little of the practicality that saw 250,000 units sold in the UK over seven years – even if a seven-seat model won’t be offered.

Boot space grows by 20 litres to 430 litres, and is accompanied by a bewildering number of positions for the adjustable boot floor to be located in. The cabin feels decidedly more upmarket than before, and our range-topping test car in Tekna trim wants for few optional extras, justifying its £23k price tag.

The powertrain is refined and relaxed. Some may (still) scoff at the idea of a big-ish crossover powered by a 1.2-litre engine, but it is more than a worthy replacement for the old atmospheric 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Performance isn’t what you’d call scintillating: Nissan claims it’ll take 11.3sec to reach 62mph, but for a car like this, its 115mph top speed is largely academic. There’s decent performance from step off and it feels nippy enough around town. That's thanks to torque peaking at a usefully low 2000rpm, and not tailing off until 4000rpm.

Where the 1.2 DIG-T engine really impresses is at a steady-state motorway cruise. At around the UK limit, the engine is remarkably hushed. And even though there’s a small amount of wind and road noise, it is more peaceful than many models from the class above.

The relative paucity of power and – more importantly – of torque comes into play when preparing for an overtake. Although the engine is far from thrashy at higher engine speeds, commitment and plenty of planning is required to make reasonable progress, even if few buyers will push that particular envelope.

The Qashqai employs clever double-piston dampers which endow the car with first-rate body control, yet are supple enough to largely eradicate both low- and high-frequency imperfections. 

Through bends, the Qashqai, which has a standard-fit Chassis Control system, feels sure-footed. Chassis Control’s constituent parts aid this ‘safe’ feeling further: Active Trace Control brakes the inside wheel and Active Ride Control monitors for bumps which could upset the car’s pitch and brakes the wheels accordingly.