Towing

Reviews / Comments about the 2014 QashQai
mikep
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2015 11:50 pm

Post by mikep »

Took possession of Tekna 1.6d auto just over a month ago. Wrote a quick review at the time which was posted under the heading of 'initial thoughts'. In that review there were a few things I could not report on e.g. its towing ability and the user friendliness of its technology. I did report on the auto box and was full of praise on its performance and smoothness; the auto box features in this review as well. Technology: I use Nissan connect in its basic form - I do not communicate via apps, don't download anything and have no desire to read my emails sitting in my car, [ok, I'm and old guy"]]. I do, however, like everything else. The display is bright and clear and has a good range of adjustment to suit my eyes. I like the cameras with high praise for the reversing monitor. I have read some poor reports regarding the radio sound quality but I think it's ok and the system linked to my iPod and phone without trouble. The two big items for me are the Parking Assist and the Sat Nav. The self parking system was something I wanted as I thought it would help ease the pain in my aching shoulders, eventually, I got it nailed. However, I advise you to practise in a quiet car park and not do as I did and use the local Tesco on a Saturday morning. Horns a blaring, fingers wagging and me, red faced but determined to carry on; what a plonker... Now I can park fairly quickly and it works a treat but BEWARE, sometimes if the lanes are narrower than normal, or your starting position is a little too far out, the 'blue box' on the monitor can take you into obstructions e.g. a parked car!! It's easy to override but watch out. The Sat Nav is quite easy to set up and so far has been accurate. Towing: I have been caravanning for over 20 years and have experienced manual and auto towing. My previous car was a Merc 1.8 petrol auto, I had the car for 10 years. It was never brilliant at towing but it wasn't a bad one either. The secret of safe towing is to make sure the car is the boss, that means it must be heavier than the caravan when the caravan is fully loaded. Towing with an automatic is probably the best way to relax when towing but check the log book as the towing limits for autos are usually lower than manuals. The limit for my QQ is 1400kg; the caravan when fully loaded is about 1200 so the margin is good. Just got back from a trip to a regular haunt in Pembrokeshire so I had a good comparison with the Merc, i.e. same route. The diesel engine pulled well and it was easy to keep up with traffic. The hills/inclines were well taken - the Merc would need to be slowed to 40/45mph to keep the engine revs sensible but the QQ flew up at a steady 50mph. I toyed with keeping the transmission in wholly auto and then experimenting with the semi auto to see if there were any tricks to learn. However, I found keeping it in full auto was best for the car and for me - just point and go. The only issue I came across was the front wheel drive. I found that the traction was different to the Merc on the wet grassy field [no mud, just wet grass"]]. The weight of the trailer on the hitch meant the Merc [rear wheel drive"]] was able to pull away without a problem; the QQ slipped until I eased off the throttle. Once I remembered it was front wheel drive it was ok. just a little embarrassed when people saw me arriving in a 4x4 lookalike and failed to move on a flat field!! The Merc pulled away faster from a standing start but the QQ is by far the better tower [petrol v diesel"]] So, after a month I'm really getting to like the car. The Merc was more comfortable and quieter but after 5 weeks or so I'm getting used to the sound of the diesel and the comfort levels are not a million miles apart. Sorry it's a long post but I hope it's helpful. Mike
mikep

jackdaww
Posts: 138
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:37 pm
Location: pembrokeshire

Post by jackdaww »

has anyone towed with the 1.2 petrol cvt auto?many thanks for any feedback.
Qashqai acenta 1.2 petrol xtronic jan2016 - flame red - no bells and whistles.

previous , now departed , Primera 2l petrol cvt 2001 147000 faultless miles.
DarronUK
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:39 pm

Post by DarronUK »

[quote="jackdaww"]has anyone towed with the 1.2 petrol cvt auto?many thanks for any feedback.[/QUOTE]
Geez I thought I was bad enough thinking about towing with a 1.6 dig-t but a 1.2 I think it will struggle, because the torque is very low, and maybe a very small trailer or similar size caravan. But you will struggle.
DarronUK2015-09-02 09:14:28
2015 QQ 1.6 dig-t 163 Tekna, Panoramic Sunroof, Gun Metal, delivered 2 September 2015
bozzyloz
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2014 8:08 pm

Post by bozzyloz »

Hi- I successfully towed a small trailer with my 1.4 jazz auto, now replaced, and was going to fit a tow bar to my 1.2 qashqai auto- for the odd trip to dump, collecting fencing etc, - not frequent heavy use. Was wondering whether to get it through dealer or good tow bar place with german make. Did you get put off having a towbar fitted?!
mikep
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2015 11:50 pm

Post by mikep »

Hi bozzyloz. I shopped around to find the best price for a demountable tow bar and guess what.........I got the best deal from my supplier, so I had the towbar fitted before delivery. I bought the car via the Civil Service Motoring Association, also known as car select who gave me sizable discount. I'm guessing the towbar was discounted as well - paid a little under £400. Fixed towbars are much cheaper and are solid, It's a matter of taste and the length of your garage. If it were not for towing my caravan I would have opted for the 1.2 as well. Good luck. Mike.
mikep
catnash
Posts: 93
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:02 pm

Post by catnash »

Just booked a fitting for next week. Westfalia but with a genuine Nissan electric kit. Anyone know what's the nissan tow hitch like?
1.2 Auris TS, Yaris 1.5.
gvmdaddy
Posts: 2245
Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:28 pm

Post by gvmdaddy »

mikep, refer to 5-61 in your owners manual, it may help you on the wet grass.
switchback
Posts: 382
Joined: Sun Dec 27, 2015 3:08 pm
Location: East Anglia

Post by switchback »

Anyone know what's the nissan tow hitch like?
This is a Nissan fixed tow bar.

Image
2015 1.6 dci Tekna, AWD.
catnash
Posts: 93
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:02 pm

Post by catnash »

Half tempted to order the detachable bar and get it fitted by the fitters. Have heard Witter make the Nissan one. Think with 20% off would be nice for it to be 'Nissan'

Update: the price from the dealers were exactly the same so for peace of mind going with them for an original nissan set up.
1.2 Auris TS, Yaris 1.5.
jackdaww
Posts: 138
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:37 pm
Location: pembrokeshire

Post by jackdaww »

i had my dealer fit the towbar by towtrust.

i was concerned the 1.2 petrol xtronic would struggle even with 750kgs behind .

did a 25 mile test run the other day and very pleased with it .

quite effortless doing 60mph on dual carriageway.

climbed my local welsh hills ok.

as with my cvt primera , the xtronic feels better under load .

possibly long hills and/or headwinds will be more challenging , but how often is that , and i am not in a great hurry .

i used to tow 900kgs with a 75bhp renault 16 , the qashqai is 115bhp.
Qashqai acenta 1.2 petrol xtronic jan2016 - flame red - no bells and whistles.

previous , now departed , Primera 2l petrol cvt 2001 147000 faultless miles.
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