
The 2015 Qashqai is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, featuring 4 cylinders arranged in an L-shape. The internal combustion engine connects the pistons of all 4 cylinders to a single crankshaft via connecting rods, ensuring that the power strokes of each cylinder are staggered. During each half-rotation of the flywheel, one cylinder is in the power stroke while the other three cylinders are in the intake, compression, and exhaust strokes respectively. The engine delivers a maximum power output of 156kW, a maximum horsepower of 144PS, and a peak torque of 198Nm. The 2015 Qashqai is classified as a compact SUV with body dimensions of 4315mm in length, 1783mm in width, and 1606mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2630mm and a minimum ground clearance of 199mm.

I remember my neighbor Lao Wang who drove a 2015 Qashqai mentioned this. Back then, the Qashqai had two versions available – the older model came with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, which delivered exceptionally smooth driving, gentle acceleration without jerking, and ample power for highway overtaking. The newer version switched to a 1.2T small-displacement turbocharged engine, proving quite fuel-efficient in city driving, capable of over 600 kilometers on a full tank. This car is tough and durable – I even spotted one in the used car market last year, with cheap maintenance costing just 300 yuan for an oil change. The key difference is: the naturally aspirated version suits those who frequently take long trips, while the turbo version can achieve fuel consumption as low as around 7L/100km in traffic jams.

Last time when helping a friend inspect a used Qashqai, I specifically researched this batch of vehicles. The 2015 Qashqai actually has early and late versions - the early version still used the old platform paired with the MR20 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, while the late version after facelift switched entirely to the 1.2T turbocharged engine. Personally I prefer the naturally aspirated version - it delivers power proportionally to throttle input without transmission jerking. But the turbo version does incorporate more new technologies, with idle start-stop system providing tangible fuel savings. When used cars, check the nameplate to confirm production date - maintenance for the late version's turbo engine is slightly more expensive, with turbocharger replacement costing over 2,000 RMB.

My sister's family bought a 2015 model of the X-Trail. The salesperson mentioned there were two powertrain options available at that time. She chose the 1.2T version, which is particularly practical for picking up and dropping off the kids—running 30 kilometers daily costs less than 20 yuan in fuel. The rear seats can be folded flat to fit a stroller, and the storage compartment designs are thoughtful. Although the engine is small, it's perfectly adequate for city driving, though acceleration is slightly weaker when the air conditioning is on. When a used one, it's advisable to check for any unusual noises from the turbocharger, as I've heard the turbo intake pipes on these models are prone to aging and air leaks.

The 2015 Qashqai offers two engine options: the early models retained the older HR16 2.0L naturally aspirated unit producing 131hp, while later versions upgraded to the HRA2 1.2T turbocharged engine with 115hp maximum output but superior torque. The driving experience differs noticeably - the NA version suits twisty suburban roads better, whereas the turbo variant delivers more responsive urban performance. Used car prices vary by approximately ¥20,000; we recommend paying special attention to low-speed jerkiness during test drives.

My Qashqai has been with me for over seven years, and it's the 2.0L version I bought back then. What I'm most satisfied with about this engine is its reliability. I've only used regular mineral oil for maintenance, and it's now at 150,000 kilometers without any major repairs. It struggles a bit when fully loaded and climbing hills in summer, but the average fuel consumption is around 9L/100km. Compared to my friend's 1.2T, the turbocharged version has stronger acceleration when the turbo kicks in, but the maintenance cost is higher, requiring at least semi-synthetic oil. If I were to recommend, I'd say choose the naturally aspirated engine for frequent highway driving, and the turbocharged one is more economical for city commuting.


