ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

2013/11/07

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

Combining conventional passenger car efficiency with the sense of adventure of an SUV has always been a key part of the appeal of crossovers. A range of supremely efficient and refined petrol and diesel engines allows the new Qashqai to exceed the expectations of drivers no matter which powertrain is chosen.

The line-up consists of four engines: two petrol and two diesel, with the option of two- or fourwheel- drive. Customers can also choose between manual and all-new Xtronic automatic transmissions.

Petrol

1.2 DIG-T 115PS (85kW)

Nissan believes that advanced technology should be available to all customers. The 1.2-litre DIG-T is an Alliance-developed engine tuned specifically by Nissan for the new Qashqai.

Driving through a six-speed manual transmission, this advanced turbocharged engine delivers 115PS (85kW) and generates 190Nm of torque. Despite its modest size, the 1.2-litre engine packs a real punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Its lower weight and more fuel-efficient operation also means that the entry-level petrol Qashqai is considerably cleaner and more economical than the model it replaces. The 1.2 DIG-T engine emits 129g/km of CO2 (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and has a fuel consumption figure of 5.6 l/100km (0.6 l/100 improvement over the outgoing 1.6-litre).

Like all engines in the new Qashqai range, the 1.2 DIG-T is equipped with Start/Stop ignition as standard, and benefits from a raft of fuel-saving technologies, including a regenerative alternator, optimised gear ratios and special low-viscosity oils.

1.6 DIG-T 150PS (110kW)

Set to join the Qashqai range in the summer of 2014, the most powerful petrol engine will be the 1.6 DIG-T engine, combining sharp performance with low emissions and remarkable fuel efficiency. Tuned specifically for the Qashqai, this acclaimed engine features advanced turbocharging technology and a raft of additional features designed to maximise performance and economy.

With 240Nm of torque on offer, the 1.6 DIG-T delivers impressive low and mid-range pull, with excellent in-gear flexibility. Yet despite its strong performance, the range-topping petrol option retains impressive efficiency. Fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100km on the EU combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are 132g/km.

Diesel

1.5 dCi 110PS (81kW)

The latest evolution of the award-winning direct injection diesel engine is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine ever offered in a Qashqai with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. Shared with Nissan’s Alliance Partner Renault, the sixth-generation 1.5-litre dCi unit is smoother, more efficient and more refined than the outgoing engine. Thanks to a substantial re-engineering programme, the 1.5-litre dCi engine offers greater in-gear flexibility thanks to a 20Nm increase in torque.

Major changes to the engine’s internals have also resulted in quieter operation and a reduction in vibration. Removal of the upper torque rod mount has eliminated a potential noise path from the engine to the cabin, while the overall weight of the unit has been reduced with new lightweight components.

The engine also features Nissan's automatic Start/Stop system, with highly efficient smart management technology that ensures the engine restarts within 0.5 seconds of the clutch being engaged. Reduced combustion noise further enhances the unit's overall refinement.

In terms of fuel consumption, the 1.5 dCi sets new standards in the crossover sector with an EU combined figure of just 3.8 l/100km.

1.6 dCi 130PS (96kW)

Positioned at the top of the Qashqai’s diesel range, the 1.6 dCi is offered with the option of twoand four-wheel-drive. Jointly developed with Alliance partner Renault, this 130PS (96kW) unit is one of the most advanced diesel powerplants in its sector, with a number of technical innovations designed to maximise fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.

Introduced on the current Qashqai, the 1.6 dCi engine is light, compact and strikes the perfect balance between strong performance and exceptional economy. Among the unit’s many innovations is a cold-loop, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system. By recycling the exhaust gas at a lower temperature, emissions of nitrogen oxides and CO2 are reduced.

Thermal management of the 1.6 dCi is also much more efficient with a reduced warm-up phase, reducing friction losses and fuel consumption.

In two-wheel-drive manual form, the 1.6 dCi has CO2 emissions of 115g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of 4.4 l/100km. The Xtronic version emits 119g/km and returns 4.6 l/100km, while the four-wheel-drive manual version enjoys figures of 129g/km and 4.9 l/100km.

New Xtronic transmission

Developed specifically for the second-generation Qashqai, the new Xtronic transmission is available with the 1.6 dCi engine.

This highly advanced transmission is based on the principle of a constantly variable transmission, but has been engineered to deliver a smoother, more natural driving experience. Unlike conventional variable transmissions, the Qashqai’s Xtronic gearbox mimics the behaviour of traditional, multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration, with stepped changes. In more gentle driving, the ratios are subtly adjusted to give ultimate smoothness. This means the Xtronic transmission offers the best of both worlds for drivers, with ultra-smooth low-load power delivery and direct performance during higher acceleration driving.

All figures subject to homologation