Nissan Qashqai Tekna

The Nissan Qashqai range has been changed around, so if you're buying new then you choices are from Acenta Premium, N-Connecta and N-Motion. That's right - there's no longer a Nissan Qashqai Tekna available until the new model arrives later this year. 

However, many buyers will be looking for a used Qashqai, and if you're buying a relatively recent used car then you'll probably be seeing five trim options: the Visia, Acenta, N-tec, N-tec+ and Tekna.

The Tekna was the highest-specification car that you could buy when it was being promoted by Nissan, which means comes with plenty of equipment as standard. It makes an excellent used buy as Tekna models aren't usually a huge amount more expensive than lesser cars.

The Nissan Qashqai Tekna came with 19-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, LED running lights, leather seats, electric folding mirrors, keyless go, sat-nav, reversing camera and a DAB digital radio. It also came with an excellent array of safety technology including traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning and a system that detects driver tiredness - all as part of the Smart Vision pack. There was also an opening panoramic sunroof, and front and rear parking sensors.

The only reason not to want a Tekna would be the cost, as it's likely to be a little more expensive than an equivalent N-Tec. If you're watching the pennies, then the mid-range N-Tec trims are a bit better value, though this is less true as time goes on and used Qashqai prices level out.

Good points

The Nissan Qashqai Tekna is very well equipped - it has all the equipment you could want. We particularly like the LED lights, leather seats and reversing camera. The panoramic sunroof makes it feel lighter and airier inside the cabin.

Bad points

The Qashqai Tekna is more expensive than other models, and some of the kit is more a luxury than a necessity. The Qashqai's real problem is that a Renault Kadjar or Skoda Karoq is better value overall.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Folding rear seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Electric folding wing mirrors
• Rear parking sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Full leather seats
• Leather steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Automatic wipers
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Recommended optional extras

• Metallic paint

Verdict

The range-topping Nissan Qashqai Tekna is a good choice if you're set on a Qashqai and want the kit it offers. Be aware that lesser models such as the N-Tec may be better value, though. The Qashqai's engine range is good and we'd pick the petrol version if you tend to do short trips and the diesel only if you do a lot of motorway journeys.