SecondHandSense:IF WE are not doing so already, it won't be too long before we can look back and identify the cars that were emblematic of the Celtic Tiger era. Two that instantly stand out are the Mini and the Nissan Qashqai – urban and popular in the extreme. The Qashqai proved that, as long as people want it, they don't really care what it's called.
Not long after its launch, there was a seven-month waiting list for the car. It seemed everyone loved the crossover concept, marrying what was a hatchback with a four-wheel-drive profile. Suddenly, the Nissan Almera family car was forgotten and urban chic was in.
Well, you have to hand it to Nissan for smarts. The Qashqai is probably no more practical or spacious than the Almera, but it’s a different concept. It comes with limited four-wheel-drive ability on some models, but most sold here are front-wheel-drive. There is a choice of four engines: 1.5-litre diesel, 1.6-litre petrol, 2-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol.
It’s better to forget the 2-litre models and look at the smaller options; neither is sparkling but they are fine for the job in hand – school runs, shopping trips and the odd long journey.
Both are economical and the 1.5 diesel is by far the more attractive for any reasonable mileage. The interior is well finished and the front roomy. The same can’t be said for the rear – the sloping roofline restricts headroom. The boot is fine but rear seats don’t fold completely flat so the Ikea run could be problematic.
You will get air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple airbags, CD player and ABS as standard.
The Qashqai has an excellent five-star crash rating in the EuroNCAP tests and there have not been any major recalls yet.
A 2007 model with 1.6 petrol engine, full service history, Bluetooth, air conditioning, electrics and CD player with 8,000km on the clock is on offer for €19,950. A 1.5 diesel of the same vintage with 29,000km is €21,950.
The Qashqai carried a price premium when launched and this has carried through with unrealistic second-hand asking prices. However, now is the time to take advantage of a falling market. Even a Qashqai is not impervious to it.
- STAR RATING: 6/10