Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi vs Mitsubishi ASX 180 DI-D

If there is a segment that follows a clear growth in the car market is the compact SUVs. This is not new, for years the emergence of Nissan Qashqai, with remarkable success, stimulated the release of new crossovers or SUVs with the same utilitarian, functional and familiar than the Qashqai spirit.

The size SUVs with around 4 feet in length are coupled with urban SUVs, smaller, the protagonists month to month in enrollment. Just watch for a moment our streets and highways to know to what extent these have become popular compact SUV with aesthetics, very attractive to the general public for its practicality, achieved relatively good price and aesthetics.

We put face to face two of the best selling SUVs in the market: the Nissan Qashqai and the Mitsubishi ASX.

The first has been the sales leader in its segment in Spain during the first two months of this year, with 3,376 units sold. The second enrolls at a lower rate, but also notable: 918 units in January and February. Keep in mind that the Qashqai is a new model, which considerably renovated a year ago, and it's in your best marketing stage.

The ASX, on the other hand, appeared in 2010, and since then has received only small updates. The last came in 2013, which consisted of retouching grill and rear bumper, as key details.

One of the secrets of success of these two compact SUVs is its good value. We can buy a Mitsubishi ASX from € 20,100 and 21,000 Nissan Qashqai from. These prices correspond to input versions of both models with petrol engines. But most requested versions are usually the diesel, and in this sense, the most affordable are what we present in this comparison: the 180 DI-D of the Mitsubishi ASX 116 hp and 110 hp 1.5 dCi Nissan Qashqai, the two 4X2 transmission.

Different equipment and price

The Mitsubishi you see in the photos has finished and finished Motion worth € 24,350. The Nissan corresponds to a finished slightly higher, Tekna Premium, and costs € 28,800.

To be fair, this Qashqai Tekna Premium version Kaiteki equate with the ASX, which although does not have the support of Nissan systems, tires 19 "or view camera 360, for example, if it has heated front seats, Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers or moonroof as standard (optional on the Qashqai, costs € 550). The Mitsubishi Kaiteki finishing costs € 26,850.

This caution, we turn to assess the sensations offered two models when you get to your steering wheel.

First, we will discuss dimensions. Theoretically, this gives advantage when to allocate space for the passenger compartment, although the car also has a somewhat bulky body. Certainly, both front and rear seats Qashqai much space, which allows its use as a family vehicle without any problems.

Likewise, Mitsubishi has in its interior one of its strengths. As in the Nissan, there is a good space for knees and good ceiling height even for tall people. It also has central armrest in the rear with holes for drinks and seating for five passengers. In this sense, the central rear seat passenger travels more comfortable in the Nissan Mitsubishi thanks to the transmission tunnel less annoying. However, ASX backups are harder and less comfortable than the Qashqai.

As for luggage capacity, there is a 12 liters in favor of the ASX (442 liters versus 430 Qashqai), insignificant. The trunk of the Qashqai is more functional, to have a double floor and the possibility of establishing divisions to hold or better distribute the load. The Mitsubishi has a double bottom and two side holes to leave small objects. Antipinchazo both mounted kit, instead of the biscuit or wheel replacement.

Behind the wheel

When sitting in the front seats, the first thing that stands out is the jump in quality of finishes and materials that has seen the Nissan Qashqai in this new generation. It must be noted that our test unit mounted leather upholstery and electric seat regulations, among other details, not fitted to the Mitsubishi. This generates input, a greater sense of quality in the cabin, which should relativize. But still, the fact is that the overall design of the dashboard and the front seats of Nissan convinces me personally more. It looks more modern, better finish and ultimately more enjoyable.

In the Mitsubishi, as is standard in the house, good quality materials and good settings it shows. The overall design is more classic. The center console is in a lower position than the Nissan, and the shift lever is longer. The Nissan uses an electronic handbrake, which is classic lever on the Mitsubishi. And in the Qashqai seems to better use two-part design of the dashboard to create a greater sense of spaciousness. The recent cosmetic upgrade here takes advantage Qashqai.

Both cars mounted panoramic sunroof, all recommended to brighten the interior. But do not forget that in the Nissan this roof is optional, while the Mitsubishi comes standard.

Accommodated in the front seats in any of these cars is easy, since they have control in every sense of seats and steering column. True to the jacket image they want to have elevated driving position, as in an SUV, in which it enjoys a good visibility to the entire vehicle environment.

They are not cars that offer a volume of information to excessive conductor, but the centralized basically through two screens: a small between clocks (something larger, readable in the Qashqai) and one in the center of the dashboard.

Technology-based sensors

These systems make it easier and safer maneuvering in town, and increase safety. In the Nissan this camera is of type 360, ie, provides a view of type "birds eye view" through four panoramic cameras vision system that offers the Mitsubishi or as an option.

Both cars have the detail of having enough slots and spaces to place drinks, mobile and save the portfolio. Their respective glove tray plants have mobile or goggles, plus USB and 12V plug.

Life on board these SUVs is nice, very comfortable for trips of medium or long haul, with friends or family. Their diesel engines are not noisy, and just transmit vibrations to the cabin. The soundproofing is good in both cases, but is best achieved in the Qashqai. On the ASX wind noise perceived at high speed and more mechanical noise. In any case, the two rolls with a good level of comfort on motorways and express roads, with a consumption level content.

Features, fair

They are not high performance SUV's because the 110 hp 116 hp Qashqai and the ASX are left a fair bit to the size of their bodies. The ASX enforces its 6 hp more to accelerate better than the Qashqai in the 0-100 km / h: 10.2 seconds versus 11.9 Qashqai.

The engine of Mitsubishi is more alive than the Nissan reactions, pushing a little less midrange, between 2000 and 4000 rpm. Note that the engine has the largest displacement ASX. It is a four-cylinder 1.8-liter, compared to the 1.5 liter engine of Nissan, which is something more "tight".

On the road they both have a very easy, intuitive and secure guidance. Their addresses are not too informative, especially the Qashqai, but fulfill their duties. Allowed to enter the car in corners with precision and sense of security. They are light enough addresses in town, so maneuvering through streets or park with either of these two SUV's not supposed little effort.

At the highest finishing range Tekna Premium, the Qashqai offers automatic parking assistant, which detects the parking space and guide the car with sensors, so that the driver only has to give gas and brake. This system is not available on the Mitsubishi.

In road curves, both defend well and his little body sway braces, except when traveling heavily loaded. ASX suspensions are perceived more morbid than the Nissan, which have a slightly firmer tared. Neither has the help of an all-wheel drive as they are 4x2.

Forget, therefore, to come out with any of them to the field if not for forest roads in very good condition. Otherwise, if the road is complicated or weather pulls us we find in the countryside with a car that stands little more than a conventional tourism. They are SUVs appearance, and little else.

Reasonable consumption

Mitsubishi says an average consumption for this version of ASX 4.5 l / 100km. Nissan does the same with the Qashqai and says spending 3.8 l / 100km on average. Theoretical advantage, because for Nissan. In our test the Qashqai also recorded lower consumption: 6.4 l / 100km. The Mitsubishi marked us 7 l / 100 km on average. In any case, the results are good considering the size and weight of their bodies.

After spending several days shooting with these SUV's for freeway, highway and city, understand the reasons for their success, mainly based on the balance offered in all aspects we look for when buying a car: space, functionality, ease and driving safety, economy of use and price. Both Mitsubishi and Nissan highly for an examination of these characteristics.

The Qashqai, as a result of its recent update, take advantage over the ASX in all that relates to systems driving aid, many of which are not available in the SUV brand of the three diamonds. It also has a more modern appearance, both outside and inside, where it perceives something more sophisticated. But this affects its price, which is higher than the ASX in any equipped versions.

The Mitsubishi stands out for its power and greater dynamic agility against the Qashqai, but do not exceed in technology and systems driving aid. Perhaps a review of their equipment in this regard would be advisable to maintain good competitiveness in the segment. However, it remains a great supporter of the excellent quality / features / price always been characterized.