The Nissan Qashqai will soon have the option of a new, promised class-leading 1.3-litre DIG-T petrol engine. It is the latest chapter in the success story of the Qashqai, Europe’s best-selling crossover, and it should further enhance the SUV’s appeal with consumers.
Nissan claims this is a highly efficient new engine, which will be available in 140PS and 160PS outputs, and promises to deliver reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. It draws on the strength and resources of the Renault-Nissan Alliance and is making its Nissan debut in the Qashqai.
From November, the engine will also be available linked to an all-new seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT ), the first time such a system has appeared in a volume Nissan model. This should provide customers with a sporty and more direct dynamic experience, improved standing-start performance and smooth power deployment.
The three versions of the new 1.3-litre engine available internationally are a 140PS six-speed manual, a 160PS six-speed manual and, following a little later, a 160PS seven-speed DCT. Nissan says torque figures are 240Nm for the low output, 260Nm for the high output manual, and 270Nm for the DCT. All versions are front-wheel drive and meet the new Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard.
The three new powertrains should be replacing three older ones – the 1.2, 115PS manual and CVT, and the 1.6 163PS manual.
As well as offering promised reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, the new engine provides a smoother response at low RPM, more vigorous acceleration and quicker, safer overtaking manoeuvres.
Improved efficiency comes thanks to a fundamental reworking of the engine design compared with previous petrol units. A gasoline particulate filter has been added, and areas of improvement include the fuel injection system, combustion chamber design, reduced friction and optimisation of the turbocharger. It also offers a quieter experience because of the higher torque at low RPM.
Nissan says that cost of ownership for consumers will be reduced thanks to lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of the engine. For example, oil changes have been extended from 12,500 miles to 18,000 miles.
Compared to the outgoing 1.2-litre 115PS manual, the new 1.3-litre 140PS manual has an extra 50Nm of torque. In the Qashqai on 17-inch wheels, the CO2 emissions are 121g/km (NEDC-BT ), which is 8g/km lower.
Compared to the outgoing 1.6-litre 163PS manual, the new 1.3-litre 160PS manual has an extra 10Nm of torque. In the Qashqai on 17-inch wheels, the CO2 emissions are 121g/km (NEDC-BT ), which is 13g/km lower.
