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Nissan Qashqai 2020 review

SUV Petrol

Nissan Qashqai 2020 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The second-generation Qashqai, built at Sunderland and facelifted in 2017 with the V-motion grille, was the default family crossover in Britain for a reason, and by 2020 it was a thoroughly sorted used buy. The 1.3 DiG-T 140 replaced the old 1.2 petrol, and it suits this car far better: stronger low-down pull, quieter at motorway speed, and no need to work it hard to keep up with traffic. N-Connecta is the sweet spot of the range. It adds the parking cameras, navigation and safety kit families actually use, without the price jump or bigger wheels of higher trims.

Inside it is more practical than pretty: a high driving position, good visibility, simple controls, and a 430-litre boot that swallows a weekly shop and a pushchair. It is not the sharpest car in its class to drive, and the infotainment feels a generation behind newer rivals, but as a comfortable, cheap-to-run, easy-to-live-with used SUV it remains hard to beat. For most buyers the 140 manual is the one to choose. The 160 adds pace most families will not miss, and the diesels only make sense for very high mileages.

One pricing note: the £25,210 figure quoted here is for the N-Connecta with the Glass Roof Pack, the version Parkers documents in full. A plain no-pack N-Connecta price was not separately verified, so treat the figure as the Glass Roof Pack car. Trim names also changed during 2020: early cars offered Visia, Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+, while late 2020 cars simplified to Acenta Premium, N-Connecta and N-Motion, so check the build date of the individual car rather than assuming Tekna exists.

As a used buy, check the service history at 12 months or 18,000 miles, test the cameras and sensors, and remember that the widely reported oil-consumption and timing-chain rattle problems concern the earlier 1.2 DIG-T, not this 1.3 HR13DDT engine. Still check the dipstick before starting and ask about top-ups, since a low level on any turbo petrol deserves an explanation.

UK price from: £25,210

Specifications

Engine	1,332cc HR13DDT turbo petrol, 4-cylinder
Power	140 PS (138 bhp)
Torque	240 Nm
0-62 mph	10.9 seconds
Top speed	120 mph
Fuel economy (WLTP combined)	44.3 mpg
CO2 emissions (WLTP)	145 g/km
Gearbox	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Boot space	430 litres
Kerb weight (minimum)	1,300 kg
Fuel tank	55 litres
Insurance group	15
Euro NCAP rating	5 stars (tested 2014, J11 generation)
Service interval	12 months / 18,000 miles

Features

NissanConnect 7-inch touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Intelligent Around View Monitor (360-degree camera) plus front and rear parking sensors
Safety Shield: intelligent emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist
18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and matt silver roof rails
Dual-zone climate control
Intelligent key with keyless entry and start, heated and electric auto-folding mirrors
LED daytime running lights, signature rear lights and front fog lights
60:40 split rear seats, luggage board system and electric parking brake with Auto Hold

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (pair)	£27	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Front brake discs (pair)	£87	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Rear brake pads (pair)	£32	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Oil filter	£10	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Air filter	£17	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
12V battery (stop-start type)	£147	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

1.3 turbo is smooth and flexible, and far better than the old 1.2 it replaced
Genuinely practical: high seat, good visibility, 430-litre boot and roomy rear
N-Connecta kit is generous for the money, especially the 360-degree camera
Low insurance group (15) and mid-40s WLTP mpg keep running costs sensible
Huge UK dealer and parts network, and strong used values, so it is easy to sell on

Cons

Infotainment is slow and dated next to newer rivals, and the screen is small by modern standards
Ride can feel firm on 18-inch wheels over broken UK roads, and the cabin is not the quietest at speed
Not fun to drive: soft handling, modest pace, and manual gearbox only on the 140
Euro NCAP five stars date from 2014 testing, so they are not comparable with current stricter tests

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T 140 reliable?

Generally yes for a well-serviced car. The 1.3 HR13DDT is a different, later engine from the troublesome 1.2, so do not let 1.2 horror stories put you off this car. Check full service history at 12 months or 18,000 miles and confirm no warning lights.

What mpg will a 2020 Qashqai 1.3 N-Connecta really do?

Official WLTP is 44.3 mpg combined, but expect low 40s in mixed UK driving and less around town. Individual WLTP figures vary with wheels and options.

Is the 2020 Qashqai ULEZ compliant?

Yes in principle: it is a Euro 6 petrol. Always confirm the individual car status on the TfL checker before buying for London use.

Does the 140 come as an automatic?

No. The 140 PS is 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive only. For an automatic you need the 160 PS with the 7-speed DCT.

What is the difference between N-Connecta and Tekna?

Tekna adds 19-inch wheels, part-leather heated seats, an electric driver seat, Bose audio and a panoramic roof on most cars. Late 2020 cars replaced Tekna with N-Motion, so check the build date.