The Nissan Qashqai (known as the Dualis in some markets) represents Nissan’s entry into the compact crossover SUV segment. The first generation, designated the J10, was introduced in 2006 and received a significant facelift in 2010. This refresh brought updated styling, improved interior materials, and revised engine options. The 1.6-liter (114 hp) variant, produced throughout 2010, served as an accessible, fuel-efficient option within the Qashqai lineup, primarily aimed at buyers prioritizing economy and practicality over outright performance. It occupied the lower-mid range of the trim levels, positioned above the base models but below the more powerful 1.5 dCi diesel and 2.0-liter gasoline options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Qashqai |
| Generation | Qashqai I (J10, facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (114 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 155 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 156 Nm @ 4400 rpm (115.06 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HR16DE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.6 mm (3.29 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1297 kg (2859.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 533 kg (1175.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1513 l (53.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 685 kg (1510.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4330 mm (170.47 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2120 mm (83.46 in.) |
| Height | 1615-1622 mm (63.58 – 63.86 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 2010 Qashqai 1.6 utilized Nissan’s HR16DE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated design featuring multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The HR16DE is known for its relatively simple design and durability. The engine produced 114 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine’s compression ratio was 10.7:1. The engine was transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, designed to balance fuel efficiency with acceptable acceleration. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for everyday driving, prioritizing smooth shifts and reasonable fuel economy rather than sporty performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter Qashqai offered a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.2 seconds, and top speed was limited to 110.6 mph. The engine felt adequate for urban and highway driving, but struggled when fully loaded or attempting brisk overtaking maneuvers. The 5-speed manual transmission provided a decent level of control, but the relatively long gearing emphasized fuel economy over responsiveness. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter variant, the 1.6 felt noticeably slower, but it offered a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps well, but didn’t provide a particularly engaging driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter Qashqai typically came equipped with air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features included ABS brakes, front airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, climate control, and a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional, if somewhat basic, dashboard layout. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a navigation system.
Chassis & Braking
The Qashqai J10 utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This configuration provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling. Disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. The electric power steering offered light and easy steering, making it well-suited for urban driving. Stabilizer bars were included on both axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6-liter Qashqai was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable crossover SUV. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, it was criticized for its lack of performance and somewhat uninspiring driving dynamics. Compared to the 1.5 dCi diesel variant, the 1.6 offered less torque and lower fuel economy, but it was generally considered more reliable and less prone to diesel particulate filter issues. Against the 2.0-liter gasoline model, the 1.6 provided a more economical option, albeit with a noticeable performance deficit.
Legacy
The HR16DE engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant. The 1.6-liter Qashqai remains a relatively common sight on used car markets. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is good. However, potential buyers should be aware of potential issues with the timing chain, which can stretch over time. Overall, the 2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 represents a sensible and practical choice for buyers seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient crossover SUV.
