We have been able to drive the most powerful Nissan Qashqai range: the 1.6 DIG-T petrol 163 hp. A version that multiplies the performance of the Japanese SUV, but does not make sports.

The new engine 1.6 DIG-T 163 hp, Turbocharged, it is presented as the most powerful (For the moment) of the Qashqai range. We’ve been driving on a drive with upper end Tekna Premium of complete equipment (27,700 euros, with promotion), including some optional 19-inch wheels with 225/45, importing about 1,200 additional euros. In addition, as standard in this version additional elements such as roof rails, LED lights, adjustable seat heated and electrically conductive, control dead angle or detector include fatigue. Even available as an option is the panoramic glass roof, which is added only in the variant Tekna Premium S and that raises the price of the car up to 29,500 euros.

Initially, Nissan raised this higher petrol version with a maximum output of 150 hp, but in the final validation stage engine proved he could give more of themselves, keeping a consumption of moderate approval (among other things, thanks to the Stop system / Start and alternator regenerative energy). Hence the figure of 163 CV today offers the ultimate configuration arises.

The 1.6 DIG-T is currently available only as front-wheel drive and finishings. Nissan Spain sells this version from 22,750 euros in basic Visia version and 24,250 for the Acenta, in both cases without any promotional discounts. These versions are equipped respectively with steel wheels 16 inch tires 215/65, or 17 alloy covered 215/60 inch. In the case of finishing Acenta also it includes parking sensors.

complemented a manual speed 6, the new version of Qashqai shows an excellent level of performance in terms of acceleration in lower gears; the official figure 0-100 km / h is 9.1 s and its top speed stands at 200 km / h. Powerful and highly elastic, the new 1.6 DIG-T is very pleasant to use, although the long development of the top two gears (47 km / h per thousand rpm in sixth), similar to those used in diesel engines, brake a little car recoveries. The shift lever, meanwhile, offers accurate insertions, but its long stroke causes the forearm can reach tripping over the edge of the seat by inserting the even gears.

On the consumption, Nissan announces an average figure homologated with wheels 16 and 17 inches 5,8 l / 100 km (134 g / km CO2). In our contact at moderate speeds on roads, the onboard computer showed an average of 7.9 l / 100 km, estimable for the size and weight of this Qashqai, and its 19-inch wheels.

The good level of performance highlighted the relative slowness of the address which, with more than 3 turns of the wheel, not clash on fast routes, but that makes the job as soon as they are amass linked curves.

For Abel Simon, responsible for Nissan Qashqai range of Spain, "this new engine, due to its performance, low noise and less vibration compared with Diesel, places the approaches to more premium model". In addition, the executive of Nissan, the positioning DIG-T 163 hp in the range places it in a good position "because it is nly 1,600 euros more expensive than the 1.2 DIG-T petrol or 150 euros more than the diesel dCi 110 hp".