What type of transmission does the Nissan Qashqai use?
2 Answers
The transmission used in the Nissan Qashqai is jointly developed by JATCO and Nissan. JATCO, a subsidiary of Nissan Motor, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of automatic transmissions. Its main products include stepped automatic transmissions (AT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The company operates in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, serving customers in over 30 countries worldwide. It supplies automatic transmissions to major automakers, including Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Suzuki, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Mazda, with an annual production exceeding 4 million units. JATCO has production and operational bases in the United States, South Korea, Mexico, France, China, Thailand, and other countries. The Nissan Qashqai is equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios, a CVT does not have distinct gear shifts. Instead, it provides a seamless and continuous range of ratios, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted power delivery. When using the Qashqai's transmission, the following points should be noted: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. While many modern vehicles claim to have 'maintenance-free' transmission fluid, this does not mean it never needs replacement. Prolonged neglect can damage internal components such as bearings and the transmission casing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long durations. Some experienced drivers of manual transmissions may coast in neutral, but doing so in an automatic transmission can cause overheating and jolts when shifting back to Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Some drivers shift gears abruptly to showcase 'smooth' driving, but this can severely damage transmission gears, leading to grinding or other malfunctions over time. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D). Automatic transmissions may overheat or upshift prematurely under heavy loads, resulting in poor climbing performance. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in lower gears or switch to Sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If the Qashqai breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck with the transmission in Neutral (N). Never tow it directly with a rope or similar method.
As a Nissan Qashqai owner, I've been driving this car for over two years, mostly in urban areas and on highways. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is very smooth, with almost no gear shifting jerks, making it less tiring during traffic jams. Compared to manual transmissions, it's more fuel-efficient, with my average fuel consumption around 7L/100km. The downside of CVT is that maintenance isn't cheap; you need to replace the specialized fluid every few tens of thousands of kilometers, otherwise the chain might wear out and cause strange noises. The Qashqai handles steadily overall and offers ample space, making it suitable for family daily use. I also pay attention to not accelerating too aggressively from a standstill to avoid overheating the transmission. Before buying, I test-drove other SUVs, and the Qashqai's powertrain is a relatively reliable choice. It hasn't had any major issues even after prolonged use, making it a good recommendation for budget-conscious buyers.