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Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T 163 review

Quieter and cleaner Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T 163 could be a game changer

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

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While the DIG-T petrol isn’t the cheapest Qashqai to run, it’s a massive improvement over the old 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit. It’s faster, cleaner and more powerful, and while the diesel is still the one to go for if you cover big miles, this Nissan Qashqai DIG-T is still an appealing all-round package.

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In a world where diesel rules the SUV market, it’s a surprise that Nissan expects half of all new Qashqais sold to be petrol-powered in the not-too-distant future. The current ratio is 55 per cent diesel to 45 per cent petrol in the UK, but with a quieter, faster and more efficient turbo petrol now on sale, that could all be about to change.

The new 1.6-litre DIG-T 163 joins the smaller 1.2-litre DIG-T 115 and replaces the ageing 2.0-litre petrol. With 161bhp it’s the fastest and most powerful Qashqai in the range – sprinting from 0-62mph in just over nine seconds.

• Long-term test review: Nissan Qashqai

It shaves seven-tenths off the old 2.0-litre’s 0-62mph time, and due to the extra 44Nm of torque, feels even quicker through the gears. Change up too quickly and you’ll find a flat spot in the rev range, and you’ll need to wait for the turbo to spool. But a marked 14mpg improvement in fuel economy and huge 54g/km drop in CO2 emissions means this car is significantly cheaper to run.

The Mazda CX-5 is still more fun to drive – with sharper steering and less body roll – but out on the open road the Qashqai is a refined motorway cruiser. Switch off the radio and there’s only a whisper from the petrol engine – thanks in part to the same noise isolation kit you’ll find on all dCi diesel models.

In terms of kit, this mid-spec n-tec packs all the goodies you’d need on a £20,000 crossover. So much so, that Nissan hopes this new trim will account for 50 per cent of all Qashqai sales.

Styling is given a boost by the 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim and gloss-black grille, with cruise control and a full-length panoramic roof also included.

Of course, as well as value for money, practicality remains a Qashqai strong point. There are lots of clever details, and the interior has been thoughtfully laid out. A quick chat with Nissan’s product bosses at the company’s Technical Centre in Cranfield, Beds, highlighted how important customer feedback is in developing a new car. It’s clear to see how much of this expertise has filtered down into its latest models, with low-set cupholders for better user experience.

Buyers won’t be disappointed with the DIG-T 163. While the diesel remains our pick of the range, if you value high-speed refinement, then this new petrol engine makes perfect sense. It’s refined, costs £250 less than the 113bhp dCi and will still do almost 50mpg.

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Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

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