A sound performer; If you and your family love music and hi-tech gadgets then the Qashqai n-tec could be just the car for you, reports MIKE TORPEY.Byline: MIKE TORPEY NISSAN have come to the rescue of family car drivers who feel a little left out in the hi-tech sight and sound systems department. Owners of the latest n-tec versions of the Qashqai now benefit from Nissan Connect, an integrated multimedia set-up that includes sat-nav, mobile phone connectivity and the ability to listen to music any way you want. As well as a single CD player and radio, you can get the full digital experience via iPod, external hard drives, MP3 files held on CDs or via a memory stick. And it doesn't stop there, because tracks on mobile phones or devices that support Bluetooth audio streaming See streaming audio. can be played wirelessly via Connect, with on-screen display of the current song. Nissan took a calculated gamble when they first launched the Qashqai. The marque decided to replace two models - the family-size Primera and the smaller Almera - in one fell swoop with an altogether better-designed and more interesting car. It was a risk that has paid off handsomely as the Qashqai broke into the top 10 UK best-sellers list earlier this year. As a crossover model, the Nissan combines the comfort and agility of a hatchback with the practicality and vigour of a lifestyle off-roader. But although it is shaped like a 4x4, and there's the option to upgrade to four-wheel drive, the Qashqai isn't really meant for serious off-roading and the majority are two-wheel drive This article is about Two by Two vehicles. For other uses, see Two by Two. Two wheel drive or 2WD describes vehicles with a drivetrain that allows two wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. . Two petrols and a pair of diesel engines are available and there are four trim levels. The flagship Tekna grade also comes with Nissan Connect as standard. I tested the 1.6-litre petrol model with five-speed manual transmission. It is easy to drive with good roadholding roadholding Noun the extent to which a vehicle is stable and does not skid on bends or wet roads , though it could do with a bit more punch. There's plenty of space inside for five and the cabin is pretty practical, too. Useful storage spaces include a cooled glovebox, a sliding drawer under the front passenger seat and a central storage box. Lift the tailgate A conversion layer that lets IDE devices connect to the IEEE 1394 Firewire interface. and you are greeted by a vast luggage area. All Qashqais also come with air-con, front, side and curtain airbags, electric front and rear windows, a 60/40-folding rear bench and alloy wheels. Factfile: Model: Nissan Qashqai The Nissan Qashqai (Nissan Dualis in Japan and Australia, Nissan CCUV in China and Nissan Rogue in North America) is a compact crossover SUV produced by Japanese automaker Nissan since 2007. n-tec Engine: 1.6-litre petrol Power: 113bhp 0-62mph: 12 seconds Economy: 42.2mpg CO2 emissions: 159g/km Warranty:Three years/60,000 miles Price: pounds 17,650 On sale: Now |
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