The large automobile concern Renault-Nissan introduced many models to the Russian market that have gained popularity among the domestic population. Very often people wonder what is better than the Nissan Qashqai or Renault Duster - two crossovers recognized as popular in Russia.
It would seem that the cost of a Nissan car is significantly higher than the price of its “younger” class brother, does this mean that this is due to its outstanding characteristics, is this really so? In this article, we decided to compare Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai on all possible points.
Appearance
Let's start the review of the two crossovers with their appearance:
Having visually assessed the Renault Duster, we can safely attribute it to the “SUV” class; large wheel arches, protective sills and roof rails contribute to this. Another important and significant element for driving a French car off-road is the raised front bumper.
Comparing the Nissan Qashqai with the Renault Duster allows us to note the following elements: the “Japanese” has smoother shapes and a voluminous front bumper typical of an urban crossover.
Interior
Moving into the interior of the Nissan Qashqai, you feel, if not a businessman, then a confident middle class; there is practically nothing to complain about here. Almost everything has changed since the restyling: the quality and texture of the materials do not raise any complaints, and the style makes this crossover comparable to its more expensive competitors.
The ergonomics of the Qashqai deserve special attention here. It is not difficult to reach any control unit, button or switch, everything is in its place and exactly where it should be.
Renault Duster goes against the style that Nissan exhibits and includes a cabin that is still simpler, although more practical. Perhaps it’s worth saying that the Renault Duster is best suited for those who are used to living in the style of practical minimalism; there is practically nothing superfluous here. On the other hand, each switch of the Duster is also easy to reach, and the operation itself does not cause discomfort.
You feel at ease in the front of the Nissan Qashkai; even a tall person can sit comfortably. The lateral support and length of the seats allows you to sit comfortably in the Qashqai cabin.
However, it seems that the company's policy is against the comfort of rear passengers: the central transmission tunnel will only allow a child or a small person to sit in the back as a third passenger.
It’s not as easy to get a seat in the front of the Renault Duster as in the Qashkai; there’s clearly not enough steering adjustment. True, this shortcoming is compensated by the fairly wide adjustments of the Duster seats. There is noticeably less space in the back, which is explained by the front seats being pushed back quite far. The rear tunnel does not cause as much inconvenience, but also does not allow the third passenger to feel maximum comfort.
Dimensions
For many car enthusiasts, an important factor is the dimensions of the vehicle being used. The crossovers are not very different from each other in size:
- The length of the Duster is 4317 mm, while the Nissan is 4377;
- In terms of height, when compared with the Frenchman’s roof rails, Renault wins with a score of 1625 mm versus 1595 mm;
- The wheelbase also has a minimal difference, 2646 mm for the Duster and 2673 for the Qashqai.
According to these characteristics, the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Duster can get a “draw”.
Salon
Let's move on to the interior of the cars, consider both the dimensions and features of each model:
The Duster has a simpler interior, no frills with wooden inserts or gold plated elements, the expensive hard plastic is well fitted.
Between the front and rear seats is 67 cm, which is quite enough for the average person no more than 185 cm tall;
The Frenchman's interior ergonomics suffer a little; not all controls are easily accessible; it will take time to get used to using them;
The interior height of the Duster allows people of average height to fit without any problems, while in the Qashqai this parameter has lost 4 cm and causes discomfort for passengers with a height of 180 cm or more.
The Nissan feels more elegant, the ergonomics are many times better than the French, everything is at the driver’s fingertips and done with taste.
At the same time, the Japanese suffers from the inconvenience of the driver's seat, the high seating position is combined with a low ceiling, this place is clearly designed for people up to 180 cm tall;
In terms of trunk volume, the victory is on the side of the Qashqai - 430 liters versus 408 liters for the Frenchman.
Specifications
In this section we will analyze the most important aspects of the operational aspects of Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai, which allow us to evaluate the car as a means of transportation:
- The ground clearance for the Frenchman is 210 mm, for the Qashqai it is 200 mm;
- The turning circle has a minimal difference - 10.4 and 10.6 in favor of Duster;
- The weight of the car is again on the side of the Renault crossover - 1370 kg versus 1464 Japanese kg;
- Fuel consumption when comparing 2-liter units brings victory to Qashqai - 6.9 l/100 km, while for Duster this figure is 7.8.
Engine Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai
Let's start looking at car power units:
- The Renault Duster 1.6 engine is well suited for driving around the city and light off-road conditions, where the optimal speed is no more than 80 km/h. This does not mean that it is too weak, the power is quite enough to make a quick overtake on the highway, but still its “cruising” speed ranges from 80 to 120 km/h. At high speeds with rpms over 3000, it begins to howl, the Qashqai has the same problem;
- The Nissan Qashqai engine has the most advantageous torque: 200 (20) at 4400 rpm. The Frenchman is slightly inferior, having 195 (20) / 4000 rpm;
- The amount of horsepower, when compared to a 2-liter engine, is identical.
Suspension and steering
If you decide to choose Renault Duster, then you will find:
- The ability to choose 4WD in any version, where the rear suspension is independent multi-link, and the front suspension is with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers;
- On front-wheel drive French cars, the front remains the same, and the rear is semi-independent;
- The Duster's steering wheel is a little tight to control, but this does not in any way affect the movement on the highway; all the bumps and potholes only slightly sway the body, without knocking the car off the set course. The car is simply optimal for Russian roads;
- Driving the Qashqai will still provide a little more convenience, smooth responses, the car does not make any sudden jerks;
- Nissan's suspension is "dense" and absorbs small potholes without disturbing the comfort of movement.
Transmission
Transmission types for crossovers differ:
- Nissan Qashqai is presented on the market with a CVT, which many are skeptical about;
- The Duster comes with a 6-speed manual and a 4-speed petrol automatic.
Dynamism
Versions of Renault Duster are available with three types of engines: one runs on diesel fuel, the other two use gasoline as fuel. In the basic version, Duster develops 102 hp, and the improved power increases to 135 hp. Diesel, although more economical, is inferior in terms of horsepower. Even with turbocharging it can produce only 90 hp.
Installing LPG on Duster reviews from owners
Technical characteristics of Renault Duster 2.0
In contrast to the Renault Duster, the Nissan Qashkai crossover is equipped with three internal combustion engines that run only on gasoline. The basic power plant is a 115 hp unit. With other trim levels, power increases to 130 hp. and 140 hp respectively. Sometimes they install a CVT transmission instead of a manual transmission, which is better than the 4-speed Duster automatic transmission, which is also quite outdated.
The Duster holds the road confidently. The French SUV cannot be compared with VIP-class cars, but its obedience fully justifies the price for which it is sold on the market. But this only applies to a car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, where the gear ratio is ideally selected. Therefore, it is quite nimble when overtaking. The suspension levels out the Duster when it rolls and reliably dampens vibrations that occur on severe off-road conditions. This is a big plus and it helped many to make comparisons and conclude that “Japanese” or “French” is better.
The controllability and obedience of the Japanese is similar to the French. In some cases it can be worse. The dynamics of the car when starting and braking are low due to the installed variator. But the Nissan suspension is just a fairy tale. Even minor vibrations are not felt in the cabin, no matter how difficult the road conditions the crossover overcomes.
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Options and prices
It remains to compare crossovers according to possible configuration variations and prices for Russians:
- The starting price for Qashqai starts at 950,000 rubles: 6 airbags, air conditioning, ESP, radio and 1.6 liter engine - this is all included in the base price;
- The simplest configuration of the Duster costs from 640 thousand rubles, it is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission petrol with 114 horses;
- If you want to purchase a Renault crossover with 4WD, you will have to pay an additional 120,000 rubles;
- The cost of an automatic with a 2-liter engine for a Duster will cost 950 thousand rubles, a luxury version with the same engine will cost 1 million 30 thousand rubles;
- The top-end configuration of the Kashkaya with 19-inch alloy wheels and all kinds of electronics that increase ride comfort to a new level will cost 1,459,000 rubles.
Other comparisons:
Renault Duster vs Nissan Terrano
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Nissan Qashqai or Renault Duster - a difficult question
Rear overhang of Renault Duster (editorial car photo)
This is a difficult question, since although the cars are off-road (crossovers), they are created to perform completely different functions. Duster is a budget crossover, in which they tried to include all-wheel drive and a powerful engine, but the interior is still prim, and the Qashqai is already of a higher class, but the 1.6 engine and ONLY front-wheel drive are inferior to the Duster in terms of driving performance.
The Duster will be much better equipped, since the price of the Qashqai will include the simplest equipment.
Quality and reliability
Salon of Qashqai and Duster
If you look at the quality of workmanship and reliability, then the Qashqai is a little better. For example, ABS on Qashqai works much better. The interior in Qashqai has been made much more “cool”, including armrests and buttons on the steering wheel, which in fact may not be present in the cheapest configuration!
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Cross-country ability of Duster and Qashqai
In terms of cross-country ability, Renault Duster wins only due to all-wheel drive; to be honest, both of these cars do not have much cross-country ability, but they were not created for this. If you need cross-country ability, then a Chevrolet Niva, or something with a frame, but you won’t find a frame frame new at this price!
