We tested two technologies lighthouses in the Nissan Qashqai, the compact SUV selling: LED versus halogen compare them. We’ve seen the light.

Everyone has arisen us doubt if more interesting LED headlamps in comparison with halogen classics, and if it is worth the Extra investment representing over traditional lighthouse. In this case the investment in order to access this type of lighting would not be just for her, but at Nissan Qashqai falls within a package equipment and specifically the most complete for this model, Tekna Premium finish.

First we must clarify that conclusions This comparison between LED and halogen headlights are only representative in this particular model and for this generation Nissan Qashqai. The technology of LED headlamps is still very recent so there is a constantly evolving and varying levels of technical complexity that make each headlamp is a different case so that variations can be enormous.

To carry out the test we have arranged two units of Qashqai, one with halogen headlights and other equipment with headlights LED Bi Nissan calls. In the first case it is two Optical with halogen bulb, for external beam and internal for long light. The same arrangement is used for headlights LED Bi with outward appearance quite similar, but with different lenses for exclusive ledes. In the field of LED headlamps we find different levels of complexity, but in the case of this lighthouse is a fairly simple lighthouse, where ledes remain fixed and do not vary with speed, or change in low light long.

None of them is perfect because each has its advantages and disadvantages. And the case is that with low beams, If it were not for the radical cut that occurs on the edge of the area illuminated, giving the feeling of wearing low lights, ledes would clearly be the best. So, if we look at just the clarity, and the field of illumination of the short, the higher ledes are therefore light, for offering greater beamwidth, and a bit line at the ends of the illuminated area. But if we consider the stress which produces the feeling that after where light ends, there is absolute darkness, something would change this assessment.

In our opinion, it is a situation that can not compensate, if you travel often at night, and we have to move a lot of time with short lights, But perception is lost, if the moon is full, or if cars are front that attenuate light-dark contrast. This situation can see well in the videos we recorded in tests in which we passed cars in front, or no light in the room where the contrast of white light is diluted with black asphalt. Moreover, in the recording of lighting on the highway when the vehicle is stopped in total darkness, the radical power outage in the LED headlamp is observed. This situation is that for example we can give on a highway or freeway when we took the low beam to avoid dazzling the oncoming vehicle head-on, and we are looking forward to pass the vehicle, to quickly turn the beam and to see what lies ahead.

Another thing different and clearly compelling, are the best qualities of ledes for high beam. He greater range, brightness and clarity, along with a wider beam especially in the area complemented by low light, give a clear advantage to see better margins and near the road, and better recognize the signs, and reflective of the bottom of the beam.

Apart from this, the Qashqai also offers a very interesting option available in finishing ‘360’, which it is the automatic activation beam to short or vice versa. It is the option that has convinced us and for us the most advisable certainly no, as always, without our intervention, we will offer maximum road illumination. What a shame that Nissan does not combine this option with LED headlights Bi.