Introductory - for 2 years 65 thousand. For every 100 km - 15% of the run on a terrible dirt road-shaking and off-road, on a good track speed 130-150 km / h, city mode 30% of the run. Average consumption 9.8
The maximum speed has all the necessary options, the lowest price among competitors.
I am happy about the cruise control, anticorrosive and how the car "holds" the road (well, rubber is not the last place)
Passable, never bogged down yet. although there is where (forest, field 2 times for departure, snow and showers in the range). Yes, not Niva and Sheviniva (there is an experience of "shit" to mix), and sometimes you have to look at the road, and adequately assess the situation.
There were reviews about poor heating, the ass heats up quickly and hot, the stove quickly draws heat into the cabin, maintains the temperature at 1 speed. I don't like konday categorically, but if necessary it works normally, especially in the city in the heat.
The machine is utilitarian and fully fulfills the assigned tasks of a semi-rural dweller. A sort of simple and straightforward comfortable mini-truck.
I will say to those who blaspheme Duster - buy yourself a Ferarri (though break off for 5 kopecks to find it), and forward along our roads with holes and ruts. Or think before buying what you take and why you need it.

I hardly use the hands-free function. I can hear perfectly, but I practically do not. Weak microphone.
- poor visibility in the rear-view mirror. Especially if a passenger is sitting, whose head almost completely covers the right rear "window". Although I have a "ski" and a view from the left side rack to the right. Side mirrors make the situation easier. They are good, there is no need to readjust when parking.
- maybe not "-" understated speed readings by 4 km / h
- there are no engine temperature readings on the dashboard, sometimes annoying in winter
- drove into a puddle after a heavy rain - the check caught fire. She already waved her hand to correct.
- in winter it is necessary to control the gas tank cap, after washing, do not open, do not close
- lack of rubber bands in the right places. All the dust is "in itself". Especially when you open the rear doors, all the arches are dusty, you wipe with a cloth. For money, I installed a sealing rubber on the hood, the engine and engine compartment became cleaner.
- about short programs - read the "textbook" (instructions). The first for off-road and loaded car (+ trailer). I get under way with the second. The fifth and sixth have a large range, no unnecessary gestures are needed.

Almost every 15 thousand I change the front or rear stabilizer struts. Perhaps off-road shaking makes itself felt.
- under warranty, replacement of the residual oxygen sensor (lambda probe) by 30 thousand
- under the guarantee, the body was repainted in fragments (cracks in the forestry complex of gutters on both sides, chips from gravel on the rear arches and fenders) for 45 thousand. For money, they glued an armored film on the arches.
- 4 times changed the burned out dipped beam lamps. Especially right hemorrhoids change.
- oil and filter change according to the maintenance schedule.

Often people who are faced with the choice of a car think: which car will be better? This is usually a very difficult question, because sometimes you have to compare vehicles from the same price group, and sometimes from different ones. Today we'll talk about which car is better: Nissan Qashqai or Renault Duster. Let's start!

It is rather difficult to compare Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai, but we will try. Let's start with the look and feel of both cars.

1) Appearance.

The Nissan Qashqai crossover has won many millions of fans around the world not only for its convenience and reliability, but also for its excellent appearance.

Aggressive, stylish and powerful - that's how it looks from the outside. Its elegant design was not only created for the sake of beauty, but also has certain important tasks. The sleek and dynamic design of the entire hull reduces drag, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption. The interior of the car is pretty good. Spacious, neat and consolidated. It is very pleasant to have a variety of electronics, which greatly simplifies driving, and makes any trip as comfortable as possible. However, such a salon has its drawbacks. They say that a person who is more than 175 centimeters tall will find it problematic to fit in the driver's seat.

The exterior of the Renault Duster is dynamic and modern in character. High ground clearance, protection provide the driver with a problem-free and comfortable ride even on the most bumpy roads. The salon in Duster is very spacious and, probably, the passenger will be more comfortable in it than in Qashqai, this is due to the large distance between the seats, which makes it spacious. However, the interior decoration of Renault remains rather prim, it loses to Nissan.

Conclusion by appearance:

The Duster will be equipped much better than the Nissan Qashqai, since the maximum price of the Duster remains at the level of the base Qashqai model, so the equipment and convenience in this price group remains unambiguously with the French.

2) Engine.

Nissan cannot boast of a large engine displacement. 1, 2 liters - many grin incredulously when they hear about this. However, such an engine "One-and-two-with-turbo" is much better than many others, and even more so, the old naturally aspirated 1.6 hp. Less fuel consumption, more traction, stronger acceleration. Strong arguments, however. If you are still very conservative, then Nissan left the choice of the engine to you. A 2.0 HP engine is still available.

Engine capacity: from 1.2 liters to 2.0 liters.

Engine power: 114 to 144 horsepower.

Acceleration from 0-100 km / h: 10.9 seconds.

Drive: front.

Maximum speed: 185 km / h

Renault Duster has three types of engines. There are two gasoline with a volume of 1, 6 and 2.0 liters, which produce power of 101 and 134 horsepower. The third diesel engine (dCi) with a volume of 1.5 liters reaches 90 horsepower, but it is much more economical. In our country, it was gasoline engines that found the greatest popularity. But if power is not the most important thing for you, then the most optimal choice would be a Duster with a diesel engine, which will make it possible to significantly save on fuel.

Engine capacity: 1.6 l; 2.0 l; 1.5 l (diesel).

Engine power: 101; 134; 90 (diesel) horsepower.

Acceleration from 0-100 km / h: about 12 seconds (depending on engine)

Maximum speed: 158-172 km / h (depending on engine)

Drive: front; full.

So, as for the results in comparison of engines, it is impossible to give a definite answer for sure. Let's remember that Qashqai is still an urban crossover, and Duster is a serious piece for different terrain. Therefore, the choice is only yours.

3) Transmission.

A CVT transmission is installed on Nissan Qashqai. Today, such a transmission uses modern materials and technologies, which allows significant savings in weight and size. The service life is 200 thousand kilometers. However, practice shows that this transmission fails very rarely (if you follow it and do not forget about transmission oil for every 60 thousand km). There are problems: on some cars, after passing 50 thousand kilometers, failures and malfunctions begin in the operation of microswitches, but a simple replacement of the latter reduces the problem to nothing. Judging by the reviews of the owners, most of them are satisfied with their CVT transmission, but they also warn that one should not forget about the basic needs of the CVT (timely oil filling, control).

Renault Duster's transmission is simpler and more unpretentious than that of the car above. This simplicity is a definite plus for the car. Renault's transmission design allows for easy and rather casual drive control. With the turn of one button, you can turn an all-wheel drive vehicle into a front-wheel drive vehicle, and vice versa. There are, of course, disadvantages. So in the mode of full blocking of the electromagnetic clutch, the speed of the car should not be more than 80 km / h. This 4x4 mode can overheat the clutch, and this, in turn, will lead to damage to the transmission. This is how the Renault Duster four-wheel drive works.

As for the transmission, it is impossible to give an unambiguous conclusion that it is better to give. Each has its own pros and cons, so it remains for you to choose again.

4) Options and prices.

Nissan Qashqai has nine different configurations. The cost of the cheapest is about a million rubles. The most expensive is estimated at one and a half million. There is, of course, a difference between them. But when it comes to safety and comfort, each model combines these two important foundations. Electronics, manufacturability and comfort on the road are what any Kashkai model can boast of today.

Duster has 4 types of equipment in total, which, in turn, are divided into a kind of subclasses (depending on the arrangement of the salon). The cheapest model is front wheel drive. Prices for it start at six hundred thousand rubles. A 4x4 car costs at least seven hundred and fifty thousand. There are models, the price of which starts from 1 million rubles. It all depends on the internal arrangement of the car, so you will need to choose how comfortable you are going to move around the world.

The large automobile concern Renault-Nissan has presented to the Russian market many models that have won their popularity among the domestic population. Very often people ask themselves what is better than Nissan Qashqai or Renault Duster - two crossovers recognized as popular in Russia.

It would seem that the cost of a Nissan car significantly exceeds the price of its "younger" brother in the class, does it mean that this is due to its outstanding characteristics, is it really so? In this article, we decided to compare Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai for all possible points.

Appearance

Let's start an overview of the two crossovers with their appearance:

Visually evaluating Renault Duster, we can safely attribute it to the class of "off-road vehicles", which contribute to this: large wheel arches, protective sills and roof rails. Another important and significant element for driving a Frenchman off-road is the raised front bumper.

Comparison of Nissan Qashqai with Renault Duster allows us to note the following elements: "Japanese" has smoother shapes and a voluminous front bumper typical for an urban crossover.

Dimensions (edit)

For many motorists, an important factor is the dimensions of the machine in use. In terms of their size, crossovers do not differ much from each other:

• The length of the Duster is 4317 mm, while that of the Nissan is 4377;
• In terms of height, when compared with the French rails, Renault wins with a score of 1625 mm against 1595 mm;
• The wheelbase also has a minimal difference, 2646 mm for Duster and 2673 for Kashkai.

For these characteristics, Nissan Qashqai and Renault Duster can get a "draw".

Salon

Let's move on to the interior decoration of cars, consider both the dimensions and the features of each model:

Duster has a simpler interior, no frills of wooden inserts and gilded elements, expensive hard plastic is well planted.

Between the front and rear seats 67 cm, which is quite enough for an average person no more than 185 cm tall;

The Frenchman suffers from the ergonomics of the cabin, not all controls are easily accessible, it will take time to get used to their use;

The height of the Duster's cabin allows people of average height to fit without any problems, while in Kashkai this parameter has lost 4 cm and causes discomfort for passengers with a height of 180 cm.

There is more elegance in the Nissan, the ergonomics are many times better than that of the Frenchman, everything is at the driver's hand and is 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 on the side of Kashkai - 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 Kashkaya, which allow us to evaluate the car precisely as a means of transportation:

• The ground clearance for the Frenchman is 210 mm, for the Kashkai 200 mm;
• The turning circle has a minimal difference - 10.4 and 10.6 in favor of Duster;
• The mass 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.

Renault Duster and Nissan Qashqai engine

Let's start considering the power units of cars:

• Renault Duster 1.6 engine is well suited for city driving and small off-road, where the optimum speed is no more than 80 km / h. This does not mean that it is too weak, the power will be enough to make a quick overtaking on the highway, but still its "cruising" speed ranges from 80 to 120 km / h. At high speeds with revs of more than 3000, it begins to howl, the same trouble with Kashkai;
• The Nissan Qashqai engine has the most advantageous torque: 200 (20) at 4400 rpm. The Frenchman is insignificant, but inferior, having 195 (20) / 4000 rpm;
• The horsepower is identical when compared to the 2-liter engine.

Suspension and steering

If you decide to choose Renault Duster, then you will find:

• Possibility 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 Frenchmen, the front remains the same, and the rear is semi-dependent;
• The Duster's steering wheel is a little tight in control, but this does not affect the movement on the highway in any way, all the bumps and potholes only slightly sway the body, without knocking the car off the set course. The car is just optimal for Russian roads;
• The Kashkai control will still deliver a little more convenience, smooth responses, the car does not make any sudden jerks;
• Nissan's suspension is "dense", swallows small potholes, without disturbing the comfort of movement.

Transmission

The types of transmissions for crossovers are different:

• Nissan Qashqai is presented on the market with a variator, to which many are skeptical;
• Duster meets 6-speed manual transmission and 4-speed petrol automatic.

Options and prices

It remains to compare crossovers by 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 - all this is included in the base price;
• The simplest Duster equipment costs from 640 thousand rubles, it is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission gasoline with 114 horses;
• If you want to buy a Renault crossover with 4WD, then you will have to pay 120,000 rubles for this;
• The cost of a machine with a 2-liter engine for Duster will cost 950 thousand rubles, luxury equipment with the same engine will cost 1 million 30 thousand rubles;
• The top-of-the-line Kashkaya with 19-inch alloy wheels and all kinds of electronics that increase the comfort of movement to a new level will cost 1,459,000 rubles.

Summary

The cars described in the article have many of their pros and cons, they are quite different in their capabilities and, in general, have different paths. If Nissan Qashqai with its aggressive appearance, increased comfort completely conquers the urban environment, then the Duster looks more reliable on country roads, ideally fitting into the harsh Russian climate.

Video

Dacia Duster vs Nissan Qashqai

Dacia Duster VS Nissan Qashqai

We invited the most popular crossover in our country, the magnificent Qashqai, to help understand this matter.

By popular demand

Classic proportions, muscular wheel arches, a chrome-plated "grill" stretched to the full face - connoisseurs of the off-road genre of "Duster" will definitely be to their taste. And it's okay that in wet weather it is quite problematic to get out of the car without soiling your trousers on the decorative "footrests". There is no sense from them: they work exclusively for style. But thanks to these silver lining and roof rails, Renault looks more expensive and solid. What else does a Central Russian buyer need? Indestructible, omnivorous suspension; unpretentious, time-tested engines and a roomy interior - all this is present in the crossover, grown on the basis of "Logan", in full. And even more: the car captivates with a variety of modifications - we mean the possibility of ordering a diesel engine and an all-wheel drive transmission.

However, the most attractive decoration of Duster today is its incredibly low price. According to the price list, the basic version with a 102-horsepower gasoline engine costs 449,000 rubles, and a car armed with four-wheel drive is only 50,000 more expensive. The Avtoframos plant also took into account the wishes of those who need an “automatic” to drive through traffic jams. By the way, we have chosen this “Moscow” version for comparison. Even taking into account the richest configuration and surcharge for metallic, the price of the car was 671,000 rubles. Simply fantastic!

The most affordable "Qashqai" with an automatic transmission is presented by the recently appeared version with a 1.6 engine and a variator: such a car is estimated at 835,000 rubles. Such a significant difference implies the total superiority of "Nissan". But is it really so?

Better no strangeness

In the salon of "Duster" (unlike the same "Logan") there is no persistent feeling that you were saving money. The plastic of the torpedo, although it is firm to the touch, has acquired smoother and more pleasing shapes. The carved visor covers the pretty appliances, and the bathtub formed on the front panel for various little things is not only practical, but also looks quite aesthetically pleasing. Finally, the black lacquered mask around the radio and air conditioner successfully enlivens the dark gray interior and even makes it look a little more expensive.

Alas, the decorators' efforts were thoroughly spoiled by their colleagues responsible for ergonomics. A person who is driving a Renault for the first time will have to show remarkable ingenuity and patience to get comfortable with the controls. The sound signal at the end of the left steering column switch is only the first level of the quest. Finding the heating buttons at the base of the seats and turning them on is already more difficult. And the joystick for adjusting the mirrors, hidden under the handbrake lever, was discovered by one of our editors only after calling a friend. Of course, you can get used to all these oddities over time, but it will be more difficult to come to terms with a very inconvenient position for drivers taller than 175 cm. In addition to the fact that the seat has a very short cushion, the lack of adjustment of the steering wheel for reach forces you to move forward strongly - right up to the contact of the knees with the plastic of the front panel. Because of such ergonomic punctures, we can only rate the interior of the "Duster" at a C grade.

After the rival's salon, the "Kashkaya" apartments look almost perfect. The location of the buttons and levers does not cause any inconvenience and questions. The finishes are nicer and better. However, the Nissan was unfriendly to tall drivers, forcing them to slouch slightly, and has remained to this day.

Taking care of your pets

If "Duster" and deprived the driver of something, then he treated the passengers with commendable hospitality. For two persons who have grown to 185 cm, the sofa will not seem cramped. He does not press in his legs, and a couple of centimeters in stock remains above his head. At the same time, the transmission tunnel, due to the presence of an all-wheel drive version, does not rise too noticeably above the floor.

Taking into account the even cushion and the sufficient width of the sofa, a third fellow traveler can be sent to the rear seat of the Renault with peace of mind.

In Qashqai, the tunnel is a much more serious problem. And although the Nissan's interior is wider, the distance between the rows of seats is 2 cm less, and the ceiling is 4 cm lower than that of the competitor. For passengers of average height, this will not cause inconvenience, however, tall personalities on the couch will be cramped.

By the basic principle

The trunk "Kashkaya" is tailored exactly for two large travel suitcases. The volume of the hold, of course, is not a record, but quite decent by the standards of compact crossovers. In addition, the sofa or part of its back can be folded to transport long items. And although the loading height of 76 cm cannot be considered a blessing, the Nissan definitely deserves a good mark for its economic skills.

The distance from the ground to the lower edge of the trunk of the Duster is exactly the same as that of its competitor. But thanks to the larger wheelbase, Renault's cargo compartment is 9 cm longer - this can be written as a plus. Here are just the continuous back of the sofa of the basic configuration of the "Frenchman" balances it with a fat minus.

To a common denominator

As you know, by a certain selection of transmission ratios, you can achieve agility from a car with a not too powerful engine - and this was brilliantly demonstrated by Renault engineers. Despite the modest 102 liters. with. the base engine, the "short" 6-speed gearbox turns the Duster into a capable urban fighter who, at speeds up to 90 km / h, will not let the obviously stronger rivals relax. Outside the city, of course, the power reserve is running out. However, the problem is successfully solved by a 2-liter 135-horsepower unit, and not only with "mechanics", but also with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In the latter case, there is simply no need to spare the gas pedal: you can noticeably cheer up the version with the “automatic” only by sending the box to the kick-down. In general, the brakes also left a pleasant impression: tenacious and understandable, they allow you to clearly control the deceleration process. Yes, several hard braking in a row from a speed of 100 km / h will lead to overheating of the discs. So after all, "Duster" was clearly not created for racing!

However, the "Kashkai" stock of brakes is no better. And in sprint races, only the versions with the MCP turn out to be more agile. The variator actively prevents Nissan from overtaking, and the 1.6-liter engine turns it into an incorrigible phlegmatic. As a result - a draw.

On the clarity of performance

The heavy steering wheel of the "Duster" with its lazy-stretched reactions to commands, as it turned out, does not interfere with finding mutual understanding with the car. During intensive rebuilding, Renault is understandable and obedient; nor does it seek to bow to every turn, even though the center of mass is high. But, perhaps, most of all I was pleased with the ability of the "Frenchman" to drive quickly, without straining the driver. At a speed of 100–120 km / h, bumps, waves and pits on the asphalt shake the body, but not to such an extent that they knock the car off course.

Thanks to the tighter suspension, the Nissan responds to commands faster and more accurately. "Muscular" springs and shock absorbers also help the Qashqai to stay ahead of the competition in corners. At the same time, the elasticity of the chassis does not make the "Japanese" nervous about road joints. The only "phi" about handling can only be expressed in insufficiently informative steering.

Three against one

Neither Renault nor Nissan are designed for tough terrain. The all-wheel drive, realized by means of an electromagnetic clutch that connects the rear wheels, adds confidence to the drivers of Kashkaya and Duster on slippery roads, and a clearance of 20 cm will help to drive to the dacha on a track rolled by trucks. However, other things being equal, we still gave the victory to the French crossover. Unlike its rival, whose four-wheel drive is only available on 2-liter versions, Renault offers a 4WD transmission with any of three engines. Unfortunately, the convenient automatic transmission, which makes it easier to get under way on shaky ground, is still out of the reach of the all-wheel drive "Duster". Nevertheless, the torque of any of the engines, multiplied by the number of first gear, is quite enough in order not to dig in the sand or start up a hill without scorching the clutch. Finally, Renault has a pronounced advantage in terms of geometric cross-country ability: for example, overcoming bumps or climbing a high curb pose less threat to its sloping front bumper than to the protruding lower lip of Kashkaya.

Who would have thought!

Two years ago, we almost admired the comfort of "Kashkaya". However, today "Nissan" no longer makes such a clear impression. With the suspension, he, as before, is in complete order: dense and muscular, it is not afraid of small and medium-sized potholes and reliably protects passengers from severe shocks. Also, there are no complaints about the aerodynamics and soundproofing of the wheel arches. However, the 1.6-liter engine was an unpleasant surprise: starting at 3000 rpm, loud howls fill the interior. And pleas for help are in the order of things for him: a not very powerful motor, besides hobbled by a variator, often needs additional stimulation with an accelerator.

The Duster motors can also howl harshly under load, but in general, the acoustic comfort of the French crossover turned out to be no worse than that of its more expensive rival. But the suspension is simply gorgeous! Pits and pits, potholes of various sizes and rhythmic tiles of tram tracks - he doesn't care about anything! On "Renault" you can safely press the "speed bumps" and not pay attention to the repaired sections of roads with torn asphalt. Here is a truly Russian car!

Who studied what

The passive safety of "Duster" was assessed by EuroNCAP experts at a C grade. Although the power structure of the cabin did not suffer from a frontal impact, the car was fined for opening the trunk lid. The low final result was also influenced by the threat of the driver getting serious chest injuries during the so-called pole test. All this showed up on a car with two frontal airbags. The Russian "Duster" has only one pillow in its database. The second air bag can be purchased for 4000 rubles. in the configurations "Expression" and "Privilezh" or get it free of charge in the most expensive "Lux-Privilezh". ABS is included in the basic equipment, and the dynamic stabilization system will be available to order only from May - but again, starting with the Expression.

"Qashqai", wherever you look, is a good fellow everywhere. He passed the European test with an A! In addition, already in the basic configuration, it boasts a full arsenal of passive and active safety equipment, including ESP and 6 airbags.

Waiting hall

Prices for "Qashqai" start at 780,000 rubles. At first glance, this is not too modest. However, until recently, none of the competitors could offer a car with a motor of comparable power, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning and a radio tape recorder for less money. In addition, Nissan will not ruin its MOT: servicing the 1.6-liter version for 60,000 km costs 44,000 rubles. By the way, this is 12,000 rubles cheaper than the cost of servicing the "Duster", which is prescribed to replace the timing belt at the same time.

Although this can hardly be considered a serious disadvantage of Renault, given its incredibly tasty price - from 449,000 for the base to 681,000 rubles for the top version with a 2-liter engine and all-wheel drive. We did not give the maximum rating to "Duster" solely from the considerations that its budget is not yet too predictable. You cannot buy a car at today's price list - you can only make an advance payment and get into the queue, which has already stretched for more than a year. And dealers do not hide the fact that during this time the car will definitely rise in price.

We invited the most popular crossover in our country, the magnificent Qashqai, to help understand this matter.

By popular demand

Classic proportions, muscular wheel arches, a chrome-plated "grill" stretched to the full face - connoisseurs of the off-road genre of "Duster" will definitely be to their taste. And it's okay that in wet weather it is quite problematic to get out of the car without soiling your trousers on the decorative "footrests". There is no sense from them: they work exclusively for style. But thanks to these silver lining and roof rails, Renault looks more expensive and solid. What else does a Central Russian buyer need? Indestructible, omnivorous suspension; unpretentious, time-tested engines and a roomy interior - all this is present in the crossover, grown on the basis of "Logan", in full. And even more: the car captivates with a variety of modifications - we mean the possibility of ordering a diesel engine and an all-wheel drive transmission.

However, the most attractive decoration of Duster today is its incredibly low price. According to the price list, the basic version with a 102-horsepower gasoline engine costs 449,000 rubles, and a car armed with four-wheel drive is only 50,000 more expensive. The Avtoframos plant also took into account the wishes of those who need an “automatic” to drive through traffic jams. By the way, we have chosen this “Moscow” version for comparison. Even taking into account the richest configuration and surcharge for metallic, the price of the car was 671,000 rubles. Simply fantastic!

The most affordable "Qashqai" with an automatic transmission is presented by the recently appeared version with a 1.6 engine and a variator: such a car is estimated at 835,000 rubles. Such a significant difference implies the total superiority of "Nissan". But is it really so?

Better no strangeness

In the salon of "Duster" (unlike the same "Logan") there is no persistent feeling that you were saving money. The plastic of the torpedo, although it is firm to the touch, has acquired smoother and more pleasing shapes. The carved visor covers the pretty appliances, and the bathtub formed on the front panel for various little things is not only practical, but also looks quite aesthetically pleasing. Finally, the black lacquered mask around the radio and air conditioner successfully enlivens the dark gray interior and even makes it look a little more expensive.

Alas, the decorators' efforts were thoroughly spoiled by their colleagues responsible for ergonomics. A person who is driving a Renault for the first time will have to show remarkable ingenuity and patience to get comfortable with the controls. The sound signal at the end of the left steering column switch is only the first level of the quest. Finding the heating buttons at the base of the seats and turning them on is already more difficult. And the joystick for adjusting the mirrors, hidden under the handbrake lever, was discovered by one of our editors only after calling a friend. Of course, you can get used to all these oddities over time, but it will be more difficult to come to terms with a very inconvenient position for drivers taller than 175 cm. In addition to the fact that the seat has a very short cushion, the lack of adjustment of the steering wheel for reach forces you to move forward strongly - right up to the contact of the knees with the plastic of the front panel. Because of such ergonomic punctures, we can only rate the interior of the "Duster" at a C grade.

After the rival's salon, the "Kashkaya" apartments look almost perfect. The location of the buttons and levers does not cause any inconvenience and questions. The finishes are nicer and better. However, the Nissan was unfriendly to tall drivers, forcing them to slouch slightly, and has remained to this day.

Taking care of your pets

If "Duster" and deprived the driver of something, then he treated the passengers with commendable hospitality. For two persons who have grown to 185 cm, the sofa will not seem cramped. He does not press in his legs, and a couple of centimeters in stock remains above his head. At the same time, the transmission tunnel, due to the presence of an all-wheel drive version, does not rise too noticeably above the floor.

Taking into account the even cushion and the sufficient width of the sofa, a third fellow traveler can be sent to the rear seat of the Renault with peace of mind.

In Qashqai, the tunnel is a much more serious problem. And although the Nissan's interior is wider, the distance between the rows of seats is 2 cm less, and the ceiling is 4 cm lower than that of the competitor. For passengers of average height, this will not cause inconvenience, however, tall personalities on the couch will be cramped.

By the basic principle

The trunk "Kashkaya" is tailored exactly for two large travel suitcases. The volume of the hold, of course, is not a record, but quite decent by the standards of compact crossovers. In addition, the sofa or part of its back can be folded to transport long items. And although the loading height of 76 cm cannot be considered a blessing, the Nissan definitely deserves a good mark for its economic skills.

The distance from the ground to the lower edge of the trunk of the Duster is exactly the same as that of its competitor. But thanks to the larger wheelbase, Renault's cargo compartment is 9 cm longer - this can be written as a plus. Here are just the continuous back of the sofa of the basic configuration of the "Frenchman" balances it with a fat minus.

To a common denominator

As you know, by a certain selection of transmission ratios, you can achieve agility from a car with a not too powerful engine - and this was brilliantly demonstrated by Renault engineers. Despite the modest 102 liters. with. the base engine, the "short" 6-speed gearbox turns the Duster into a capable urban fighter who, at speeds up to 90 km / h, will not let the obviously stronger rivals relax. Outside the city, of course, the power reserve is running out. However, the problem is successfully solved by a 2-liter 135-horsepower unit, and not only with "mechanics", but also with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In the latter case, there is simply no need to spare the gas pedal: you can noticeably cheer up the version with the “automatic” only by sending the box to the kick-down. In general, the brakes also left a pleasant impression: tenacious and understandable, they allow you to clearly control the deceleration process. Yes, several hard braking in a row from a speed of 100 km / h will lead to overheating of the discs. So after all, "Duster" was clearly not created for racing!

However, the "Kashkai" stock of brakes is no better. And in sprint races, only the versions with the MCP turn out to be more agile. The variator actively prevents Nissan from overtaking, and the 1.6-liter engine turns it into an incorrigible phlegmatic. As a result - a draw.

On the clarity of performance

The heavy steering wheel of the "Duster" with its lazy-stretched reactions to commands, as it turned out, does not interfere with finding mutual understanding with the car. During intensive rebuilding, Renault is understandable and obedient; nor does it seek to bow to every turn, even though the center of mass is high. But, perhaps, most of all I was pleased with the ability of the "Frenchman" to drive quickly, without straining the driver. At a speed of 100–120 km / h, bumps, waves and pits on the asphalt shake the body, but not to such an extent that they knock the car off course.

Thanks to the tighter suspension, the Nissan responds to commands faster and more accurately. "Muscular" springs and shock absorbers also help the Qashqai to stay ahead of the competition in corners. At the same time, the elasticity of the chassis does not make the "Japanese" nervous about road joints. The only "phi" about handling can only be expressed in insufficiently informative steering.

Three against one

Neither Renault nor Nissan are designed for tough terrain. The all-wheel drive, realized by means of an electromagnetic clutch that connects the rear wheels, adds confidence to the drivers of Kashkaya and Duster on slippery roads, and a clearance of 20 cm will help to drive to the dacha on a track rolled by trucks. However, other things being equal, we still gave the victory to the French crossover. Unlike its rival, whose four-wheel drive is only available on 2-liter versions, Renault offers a 4WD transmission with any of three engines. Unfortunately, the convenient automatic transmission, which makes it easier to get under way on shaky ground, is still out of the reach of the all-wheel drive "Duster". Nevertheless, the torque of any of the engines, multiplied by the number of first gear, is quite enough in order not to dig in the sand or start up a hill without scorching the clutch. Finally, Renault has a pronounced advantage in terms of geometric cross-country ability: for example, overcoming bumps or climbing a high curb pose less threat to its sloping front bumper than to the protruding lower lip of Kashkaya.

Who would have thought!

Two years ago, we almost admired the comfort of "Kashkaya". However, today "Nissan" no longer makes such a clear impression. With the suspension, he, as before, is in complete order: dense and muscular, it is not afraid of small and medium-sized potholes and reliably protects passengers from severe shocks. Also, there are no complaints about the aerodynamics and soundproofing of the wheel arches. However, the 1.6-liter engine was an unpleasant surprise: starting at 3000 rpm, loud howls fill the interior. And pleas for help are in the order of things for him: a not very powerful motor, besides hobbled by a variator, often needs additional stimulation with an accelerator.

The Duster motors can also howl harshly under load, but in general, the acoustic comfort of the French crossover turned out to be no worse than that of its more expensive rival. But the suspension is simply gorgeous! Pits and pits, potholes of various sizes and rhythmic tiles of tram tracks - he doesn't care about anything! On "Renault" you can safely press the "speed bumps" and not pay attention to the repaired sections of roads with torn asphalt. Here is a truly Russian car!

Who studied what

The passive safety of "Duster" was assessed by EuroNCAP experts at a C grade. Although the power structure of the cabin did not suffer from a frontal impact, the car was fined for opening the trunk lid. The low final result was also influenced by the threat of the driver getting serious chest injuries during the so-called pole test. All this showed up on a car with two frontal airbags. The Russian "Duster" has only one pillow in its database. The second air bag can be purchased for 4000 rubles. in the configurations "Expression" and "Privilezh" or get it free of charge in the most expensive "Lux-Privilezh". ABS is included in the basic equipment, and the dynamic stabilization system will be available to order only from May - but again, starting with the Expression.

"Qashqai", wherever you look, is a good fellow everywhere. He passed the European test with an A! In addition, already in the basic configuration, it boasts a full arsenal of passive and active safety equipment, including ESP and 6 airbags.

Waiting hall

Prices for "Qashqai" start at 780,000 rubles. At first glance, this is not too modest. However, until recently, none of the competitors could offer a car with a motor of comparable power, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning and a radio tape recorder for less money. In addition, Nissan will not ruin its MOT: servicing the 1.6-liter version for 60,000 km costs 44,000 rubles. By the way, this is 12,000 rubles cheaper than the cost of servicing the "Duster", which is prescribed to replace the timing belt at the same time.

Although this can hardly be considered a serious disadvantage of Renault, given its incredibly tasty price - from 449,000 for the base to 681,000 rubles for the top version with a 2-liter engine and all-wheel drive. We did not give the maximum rating to "Duster" solely from the considerations that its budget is not yet too predictable. You cannot buy a car at today's price list - you can only make an advance payment and get into the queue, which has already stretched for more than a year. And dealers do not hide the fact that during this time the car will definitely rise in price.