- general information
- Comparative characteristics
- Exterior
- Salon
- Powertrains and transmission
- Suspension
Urban compact golf-class crossovers Nissan Qashqai and Mitsubishi ASX, combining the features of an SUV and a compact hatchback/station wagon, confidently occupy a leading position in the domestic car market in terms of sales.
At the same time, their potential buyers, choosing one of these cars for themselves, must answer a difficult question: which of these crossovers is more comfortable, more reliable and, in general, better in everyday use: Nissan Qashqai or Mitsubishi ASX?
About models
At the end of 2006, Russian buyers saw the Qashqai compact crossover for the first time. Many are still arguing about whether the model is an SUV or an all-wheel drive hatchback. The first generation had certain complaints from drivers, but the car gained popularity.
8 years later, the second generation of crossover was released in Russia, which took into account the mistakes of previous modifications. The car was received positively and was named one of the leaders in the compact SUV class.
In 2021, the car received a corporate restyling. But, as usual, the model has not yet reached Russia. The 2014 model is on sale at car dealerships.
One of the competitors of the Qashqai 2 was the Mitsubishi ACX, produced since 2010. Over its eight-year history, the car has gone through more than one restyling, but the car has not received any significant changes. In fact, we have before us the first generation of a crossover with a modified design.
In 2015, the US plant that produced ASX specifically for Russia closed. Accordingly, sales of the crossover in our country have ceased. But in 2021, the Japanese company decided to resume sales in order to expand the market.
However, it did not offer buyers anything new except an improved design. Is this Mitsubishi ACX enough to beat its Japanese rival?
Summary
Both crossovers have been restyled in 2021. The updated Nissan Qashqai is already on sale, but its rival is still offered in its previous version. It is therefore not surprising that the gap between Japanese models has not narrowed in the first eight months of 2021. From January to August (inclusive) in Russia the following were purchased: Qashqai - 11,270 units, and ASX - 2,305 units. Mitsubishi ACX currently does not have serious competitive advantages over its opponent with worse dynamics, a smaller trunk and an indecently high cost of CASCO. Therefore, he can only hope for the speedy start of sales of the restyled version.
Outside
The second generation of Qashqai has seriously changed both in size and design. He became shorter, longer and wider than his older brother. The round headlights that created the image of a good friend disappeared. In their place were narrowed LED lights rising to the wings, which completely changed the perception of the car.
In the center there is a massive chrome-plated V-shaped trim that wraps around. Due to this, the car is perceived completely differently. An uncompromising and high-performance crossover, making it clear that its status is one level higher compared to the previous generation.
The exterior is quite similar to the X-Trail of the same model range, only smaller. The lines are sharper and longer, making the car visually lower and sportier. This is typical for almost all cars of the last 5 years. Optionally, in the maximum configuration, the manufacturer offers 19-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive design.
The Mitsubishi ASX is trying to keep up with its exterior design. Seeing the front of the car, the familiar X-shaped styling catches your eye. It is expressed in chrome inserts running from the headlights to the bumper. These elements are reminiscent of the Pajero Sport style.
The headlights and bumpers underwent minor changes, and the profile relief was also modernized. But in general, ACX is very similar to itself 8 years ago. It is built on the same platform and has the same problems.
If you compare the design of both models, the Mitsubishi ASX is an outdated car. He does not offer anything new to his customers, but exploits the once created image, adding stylish details to it. In this regard, this crossover resembles the Niva - the years go by, but it remains unchanged! The designers of the 2017 Nissan Qashqai definitely won the battle for the best appearance, and we are waiting for the new generation of Mitsubishi ASX, believing that the company will still decide to upgrade its “worn-out” model.
What is inside?
The interior of the Nissan Qashqai has been seriously improved compared to the previous generation. The manufacturer began to use better quality materials, increased the level of comfort and ergonomics. But the design of the front panel and the location of the control buttons were borrowed from the Nissan X-Trail.
What is the difference between the X-Trail and the Qashqai, you ask? Paradoxically, the difference is in comfort, ergonomics and quality of finishing materials. According to these indicators, the Nissan Qashqai 2016-2017 is head and shoulders above its ancestor, but inferior to its larger relative.
The instrument panel is presented in the form of two large and easily readable dials with a compact on-board computer in the middle. The steering wheel and gear lever are absolutely identical to the X-Trail. The front seats are comfortable and have several adjustment modes. In more expensive versions, the client receives electric seat adjustment in 6 directions.
The interior design looks modern, simple and tasteful. Nothing extra. All elements fit well into the overall style and are in their place. Inside the new Qashqai, the driver feels more solid than in the previous generation model.
The interior of the Mitsubishi ACX 2021 remains rough but understandable. The control buttons for various functions are located intuitively, but the design of the interior a decade ago makes itself felt. The central display is sparse in terms of functions and lacks graphic clarity. The speed of the computer also suffers.
The only noticeable change in the interior of the restyled version is a change in the location of the cup holder and the drive control button. But this change is rather a minus, since the all-wheel drive adjustment tool has been removed behind the gearshift lever. When it was located on the armrest, it was easier to control.
In the second row, the cars perform the same way. The legroom is flush. Passengers taller than 190 cm will have to struggle to find knee room.
The ceiling does not press, and the Qashqai even has a panoramic roof, which visually expands the car’s interior.
Compared to the previous generation Nissan, the new crossover has more legroom. But the space was freed up due to the almost vertical seating on the sofa, which is extremely inconvenient on long trips.
The trunk volume is approximately the same: 430 liters. vs 400 l. Qashqai is slightly ahead.
Now about the technical equipment. If Qashqai keeps pace with progress, introducing the same set of safety systems as in the X-Trail, then ACX 2021 marketers seem to believe that the car will be happy to buy because of the heated steering wheel and cruise control. It's unfortunate, but even the latest Mitsubishi trim doesn't have parking sensors or lane control. The maximum you can count on is light and rain sensors, a descent assist system, a single rear view camera and a keyless entry system.
In addition to the above options in the Nissan Qashqai you will find a blind spot monitoring system, a 360⁰ surround view system, a lane control system and even an intelligent parking assistant. Next to it, ACX cannot be compared.
Dynamics and control
Reviews of the first Qashqai and ACX models that entered the Russian market show that the suspension was too stiff. This is understandable, because the Japanese and Americans built cars taking into account the road surface in their countries. But the restyling of Mitsubishi and the second generation of Nissan received a modified chassis, adapted specifically for Russian roads.
At a plant that assembles crossovers for the domestic market, Qashqai received new shock absorbers with the ability to dampen high-frequency vibrations. Thanks to this, the car began to quickly and unnoticed by passengers to fly through potholes of any size. There have been other changes in the suspension and frame of the car that have a positive effect on ride comfort.
Mitsubishi's suspension has also become softer. She does not “kick” the driver on bumps. It is also worth mentioning positively the directional stability system, which excellently holds the car in turns and prevents it from skidding. The car responds well to the steering wheel, but during sharp maneuvers the rolliness is noticeable. The controls are precise, but slow.
Nissan engineers wanted the driver of the Qashqai to feel no worse than in the X-Trail. This was partially successful! The imposing and ponderous gait inherent in a more expensive class of car is noticeable. I was pleasantly surprised by the tight steering wheel, which strived to return to the zero point after a turn in a sporty manner.
The controversial point in the Qashqai is the dynamics. All 3 engine versions, including the 1.2 liter turbocharged engine, accelerate the car perfectly. In addition, the new crossover from Nissan is 90 kg lighter than its predecessor. The variator installed on most modifications is to blame. He deliberately restrains the speed of the engine. But the CVT significantly saves fuel consumption. The company claims that a crossover with a two-liter gasoline engine consumes 10-12 liters. in a mixed cycle, and comments from experts confirm the reliability of this data.
In contrast, the Mitsubishi ACX 2021 CVT works perfectly in tandem with the engine. Thanks to it, the car is more alert and responds better to the gas pedal.
Who's better on the road: Qashqai or ASX?
When deciding for yourself what to choose, you need to remember about the suspension. The first owners noted the rigidity of the cars of both brands. The fact was explained simply: manufacturers worked in countries where the road surface is much better than ours. Later versions were modified to take into account bad roads.
The Qashqai released from the Pargolovo plant is now equipped with new shock absorbers. The latter are capable of nullifying high-frequency vibrations. Potholes in the asphalt became invisible. The ASX's softened suspension won't make the driver feel like they're being pushed hard over every bump. Directional stability prevents skidding when cornering. Unhurried steering and pleasant responsiveness to steering wheel inputs are the hallmarks of Mitsubishi.
The dynamics of a Nissan car has become a subject of dispute between owners. The nimble engine (regardless of its volume) was restrained by a CVT, which did not like (and does not yet like) aggressive driving. But the lack of agility results in fuel economy. The ASX looks more alert on the road and responds more adequately to pressing the gas pedal. In this context, it would be premature to give a definitive answer to the indicated choice question.
Prices and options
Nissan Qashqai in April 2021 is available with 3 types of engines:
- Turbocharged 1.2 l. power 115 hp;
- 2.0 l. power 144 hp;
- Diesel 1.6 l. power 130 hp
The client can choose a 6-speed manual transmission or the already mentioned continuously variable transmission. Almost every trim level is available in 4x2 and 4x4 wheel configurations. The basic configuration of a compact Nissan crossover costs from 1,074,000 rubles, and for the maximum version you will have to pay no less than 1,540,000 rubles.
ASX buyers have less choice: the 1.6 liter. 117 hp or a two-liter unit with a capacity of 150 hp.
Options with a 1.6-liter engine are available exclusively with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission. Four driven wheels can be purchased with a 2-liter engine and a CVT. The price tag for the model varies from 1,129 thousand rubles. up to 1,509,990 thousand rubles (data taken from the official website as of April 2018).
Drawing conclusions
Analyzing the number of options and cost, it is quite clear why people prefer Qashqai in 2021. If, when comparing the first generations of models, the buyer faced a serious choice, today the victory is obvious!
There are too many arguments against Mitsubishi ACX. It is outdated, and manufacturers are not trying to breathe a second life into it. The interior has hardly changed, the set of options does not correspond to the time, and the spaciousness and quality of finishing do not stand out in any way compared to the opponent. At the same time, the price level is the same. The only thing that can attract buyers to the ASX is the appearance and nostalgia for the first pre-facelift generation. But such “bait” is questionable.
See also:
- Comparing Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan
The interior of each car
Despite the fact that the cost of both the Nissan Qashqai and the Mitsubishi ACX is relatively low, their interiors are very well designed. First of all, this concerns various ergonomic indicators. At the same time, their interior has some characteristic features, due to which it is very different in each of the models.
The interior of the Nissan Qashqai is quite restrained in terms of the range of colors used. They are diluted by ergonomic and expressive lines. The interior decoration as a whole has a rather voluminous and futuristic appearance. The materials are selected in such a way that the driver and passengers feel free and comfortable. However, this did not affect the functionality - it is extensive and useful. The seat fabric is not uniform - it was combined from different materials.
Mitsubishi ACX has a simpler design and design of its internal volume. The manufacturer used very traditional lines, which are inherent in almost all European vehicles of this type. Despite the lack of certain creativity in the interior, this did not affect the characteristics in any way.
The front panels of cars are distinguished by a fairly good location of the main controls on the steering wheel or near it. This significantly increases the comfort of using vehicles. Essentially this information is reflected in the reviews of car owners.
Nissan Qashqai is distinguished by the fact that it uses higher quality materials. The lower part of the front panel of the car is even upholstered with a special rather soft plastic. The interior looks expensive due to the fact that everything has a certain texture. The chairs have fixed position functions that can be switched using one button. Minor shortcomings that distinguished the car in earlier versions were corrected in the latest version by the manufacturer.
The finish of the Mitsubishi ACX is more rigid than that of the Nissan. The front panel is also distinguished by the use of soft plastic, but it hardly flexes when your hand touches it. If we talk about the chair, it is no less functional than the Qashqai. Problems arise only when there is a significant load in the form of backlash. Mitsubishi controls are not always located logically, so drivers often give negative feedback to this.
