(Laura Walubengo) The Nissan Qashqai is one of the latest additions to the Nissan line in Kenya, is locally available but for some reason, not very well known.
The stylish SUV is good for town and country driving as it comes in either 4WD or 2WD.
A brand new car will set you back for anything between Sh4.8m and Sh5.3, but that is in return for more than a decade of faithful service.
The Qashqai is only five years old and is famous for its good looks and brilliant handling on the road. The car also got a facelift in 2010.
Coil Springs at the back support the weight the vehicle is carrying, while MacPherson struts at the front make it easy to manouvre the 17-inch wheels. This easy movement is supported by a 35 litre engine with a maximum torque of 198Nm/4400rpm.
The engines come in different sizes globally, but in Kenya the one being offered by DT Dobie is the 2.0L engine, petrol, with multi-point fuel injection.
The dashboard is simple with race car type gauges, i.e. circular with a silver outlining that helps keep things uncluttered and very practical.
The 4WD version comes complete with a sun roof which covers 5 of the 7 seats available. Other cool features include a Keyless lock system, rain sensing wipers, a manual headlamp levelizer, dynamic vehicle control and audio controls on the steering wheel.
Though it is a relative new-comer in the country, mechanics knowledgeable about the Nissan can work their way around it. If that fails look for a DT Dobie dealer, available in all the major towns in the country.
Though reviews across the internet are mostly good, a distant rattling has been reported by the Top Gear crew, if the Qashqai is used in high speeds and when it hits a pot hole. They however give it a 7/10.
The kerb weight for this spacious car is 1334 kilograms. What do you think; a hit or a miss?
