How to Use the Manual Mode in Nissan Qashqai?
3 Answers
The method to use the manual mode in Nissan Qashqai is: 1. Push the gear lever to the M position; 2. Adjust the transmission to upshift or downshift using the gear lever or paddle shifters. The Nissan Qashqai is a compact 5-door, 5-seater SUV with body dimensions of: length 4401mm, width 1837mm, height 1593mm, and a wheelbase of 2646mm. It is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine and a CVT continuously variable transmission, delivering a maximum power of 111 kW and a maximum torque of 194 Nm. The drivetrain is front-engine, front-wheel drive, with a front suspension using MacPherson struts and a rear suspension featuring a multi-link independent setup.
I've been driving the Qashqai for several years, and the manual mode is actually quite simple but requires some practice to get the hang of it. After starting the car, look at the gear shift lever—push it to the left or right, usually marked with an M or 'Manual' next to the D gear, and some newer models have paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This way, you can control the gear shifts yourself: push up or press '+' to upshift, and push down or press '-' to downshift. The key is to keep an eye on the tachometer and avoid reckless shifting. Manual downshifting when going uphill or trying to overtake quickly makes the engine respond faster, adding more driving fun. On flat roads, don’t overdo it—revving too high past the redline can damage the car, while too low RPMs weaken power and affect safety. The Qashqai is a sturdy car; occasional manual shifting won’t cause major issues and can even save some fuel, but automatic mode is more convenient in city traffic jams.
As a Qashqai owner, I was particularly curious when I first started using the manual mode. My initial attempt was after reading the manual—simply put, it involves shifting the gear to the manual position (via a button or gear lever operation) and then using the plus and minus buttons on the steering wheel to switch gears. I practiced slowly in an open area, upshifting when the RPM reached around 2000, and downshifting was suitable for decelerating downhill. Once I got the hang of it, the acceleration felt incredibly satisfying, especially during highway overtaking moments. Beginners often make the mistake of shifting too hastily—I once caused a loud noise by not paying attention to the RPM, but later learned to take it easy. The Qashqai's design is thoughtful; manual mode isn't a must, but it's worth trying when you want a bit more control.
