Crossovers are gaining popularity every year. In this article we will look at which is better: Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Outlander. Both Japanese companies are giants in the car market, and the rivalry between these models has been going on for more than 15 years.
First Nissan X-Trail was released in 2000, and Mitsubishi Outlander- in 2001. Over the years, several modifications of each model have been made. In 2014-2015 New versions of crossovers beloved by customers have appeared on the Russian market. Nissan produced a completely new car, and Mitsubishi updated the existing third generation of the crossover family.
Let's compare the latest generations of both legends and find out which of them is better.
Prices and options
The first thing a potential buyer looks at when choosing a car is its price tag. Based on this parameter, the picture looks very interesting! At the time of the release of updated versions in 2015, Outlander clearly won in terms of cost. The price tag of its latest version with a 2.4 liter engine. in the maximum configuration was 1,820,000 rubles, and for the opponent, also with full stuffing and a 2.5 liter engine, the cost was 1,895,000 rubles. The difference is obvious, and the victory was clearly in favor of Mitsubishi.
But a couple of years passed and the situation with the price changed radically. According to the websites of official dealers, the new Nissan in the maximum configuration costs 1,847,000 rubles, and the Outlander costs 1,999,990 rubles. Moreover, this is the price tag of the 2016 model. Crossover with a 2.4 liter engine. and a power of 167 hp. model range 2017 costs RUB 2,109,990. This is a huge difference, and in this comparison criterion the X Trail confidently comes out ahead. The drastic change in cost is quite understandable, and its reason will be revealed below.
Engines
Speaking of trim levels, Nissan offers its customers three types of engine:
- 1.6 l. power 130 hp;
- 2.0 l. power 144 hp;
- 2.5 l. 171 hp
On versions with a 1.6 liter engine, a 6-speed manual transmission is installed. The remaining modifications are equipped with the familiar Nissan CVT.
In terms of equipment, the opponent's situation is poorer. The car is presented exclusively with a CVT transmission and 2 types of engines:
- 2.0 l. power 146 hp;
- 2.4 l. with 167 “horses”.
And according to this criterion, the X-Trail again comes out ahead, since it provides the buyer with more options, a more powerful engine, but at the same time for less money.
Salon
In order not to break the tradition of reviews, we will start comparing interiors with the trunk - this element is one of the main ones when choosing this type of car. Here again the dilemma arises. Comparing the latest configurations - Nissan X Trail 2.5 l. and Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 l. – the useful volume of the first is 497 liters. versus 477 hp at the second one.
But if you fold down the rear seats, the situation changes - 1585 liters. Nissan versus 1640 hp. at Mitsubishi.
And if we take the 2-liter version of Mitsubishi for comparison, its Japanese competitor is completely on its feet. The useful trunk volume of this modification is 591/1754 liters, which is an incredibly “roomy” figure among its classmates.
However, there is a slight inconvenience in this. The Outlander's large trunk volume is ensured by a spare wheel, which is located under the bottom, and not in the cabin, like the Nissan X-Trail. On Russian roads, this can create serious difficulties, since the spare tire will constantly be exposed to dirt, moisture, and in winter there will be icicles hanging from it. Therefore, it is better to pierce the wheels on a dry asphalt road in the warm season, otherwise you risk plunging into the hard work of a truck driver.
By the way, it’s worth saying that both opponents have an electric rear door.
There is enough space for passengers in both crossovers, both front and rear. Nissan has even a little more of it. But due to the panoramic roof in more expensive trim levels, there is almost enough headroom for second-row passengers. This is due to the fact that a mechanism for opening and closing the roof is hidden under the ceiling lining.
The shortcoming is insignificant, but psychologically this fact will weigh on us for some time. The Mitsubishi Outlander can accommodate a person of any height.
The ergonomics of the driver's seat are extremely similar. Everything is in its place, easy to access and not conspicuous. It is worth noting a number of subtleties that can be considered a matter of taste. For example, the on-board computer in the Outlander is more complex, and the menu colors cause more strain on the eyes, which is quite inconvenient while driving. Interestingly, the computer control button is located almost on the dashboard. But Mitsubishi has steering wheel paddle shifters.
In general, the Mitsubishi interior looks more sporty and bold. The same can be seen in your driving style. Nissan in this case is a more family car, where comfort, safety and smoothness are taken as the basis. It benefits greatly from the panoramic roof, which Outlander manufacturers cannot provide. But in general, the ergonomics and interior design of both crossovers are equally good. Considering that the trunk volume is in favor of one Japanese, and the number of small but pleasant options is in favor of the second, we have a draw in this round. By the way, noise insulation in the models is also at the same level.
Technical equipment
Let's move on to the next criterion, which is one of the most important - optionality. And here you will understand how that colossal gap in the value of Mitsubishi mentioned earlier happened.
In 2015, when new versions of both crossovers hit the markets, Nissan was a confident winner. If we compare the maximum configurations of cars, then the X-Trail had an all-round visibility system, which allows you to see all objects around the perimeter of the car through the on-board computer, and a system that warns you if a foreign object crosses your path when reversing.
It also has sensors that signal when the car's wheels cross a solid line, a system that notifies when the car is in a dead zone, as well as a system for automatically switching headlights from low to high. All this was not present in the early version of the restyled Outlander. In the 2016-2017 configuration. many of these options appeared, including all-round visibility and automatic headlight control. But I had to pay extra for the options - hence the jump in price.
Both cars have intelligent all-wheel drive and a hill-stop system that automatically locks the wheels and allows you to safely climb uphill without slipping.
Handling and maneuverability
During comparisons between Toyota Rav 4 and Nissan X Trail we talked about the fact that the Rafik is calmer and smoother, and the X Trail is faster and more aggressive. In this review of models, the situation is the opposite. Compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan is calmer and more measured, while its opponent is bold.
The “sportiness” of the Outlander can be seen in everything: from the interior design to the driving style. This is facilitated by the steering wheel, which is slightly rubbery. It doesn't have the same responsiveness or rigidity as its competitor. Due to this, while driving a Mitsubishi you have to constantly balance. Every now and then he tries to get away, throwing adrenaline like firewood into a stove.
This style of driving stimulates, charges, allows you to feel the drive, but the driver quickly gets tired of constant control. The Outlander has a weak steering response, which makes it difficult to feel the car properly. Whereas in a Nissan the driver controls the car using vision and feeling the car through steering feedback, in Mitsubishi one has to rely only on vision. Unless you're an ambitious young guy looking to tame a stubborn stallion, this will quickly start to get stressful for you!
Compared to this, the X-Trail seems too smooth, even, or even too regular. This can be seen in a calm and confident ride on any turns. This crossover exudes safety and stability. It is ideal as a family car! In it you can take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy a comfortable and confident ride.
Speaking of gearboxes, both CVTs are good, but the Outlander's is better tuned. It seems to have artificial intelligence, which provides a comfortable ride for the driver and protects the transmission design. For example, if at a speed of 100 km/h you try to switch to manual mode and engage a lower gear, the box will not allow you. It seems to protect you from rash actions that could harm the transmission. In addition, when the speed decreases, the gearbox often puts itself in a lower gear, providing a reserve during acceleration.
In terms of transmission, the score goes towards the Outlander, and cross-country ability is the strong point of the X-Trail. Its intelligent all-wheel drive is better tuned. This allows him to slowly but surely take almost any height, and not take it at speed, but smoothly and slowly. The opponent, in turn, is a little behind, but keeps the bar. Even superior ground clearance doesn't help you win. The Mitsubishi's ground clearance is 215 mm versus 210 for its rival.
It is interesting that recently crossovers have begun to be produced with a fairly stiff suspension, which allows passengers to experience all the features of our luxurious roads. But the models presented in this review are examples of softness! Outlander, in its usual rocking motion, carefully absorbs all bumps and stands guard over the comfort of passengers. And the X-Trail completely swallows any terrain, and at any speed. And again, one point for both piggy banks!
Japanese vs Japanese: summing up
The cars presented in our review are similar, and at the same time very different. They are similar in terms of interior and comfort. Considering the latest modifications of 2016-2017, they are almost identically equipped technically, have similar engine characteristics and equally comfortable suspension. The Outlander clearly wins in terms of trunk volume and CVT operation, while the X-Trail impresses with the number of modifications and cross-country ability. And its price tag, along with all the technical equipment, is an order of magnitude lower.
"And still! What should I buy? - you ask. It depends on the character. X-Trail exudes stability and safety. The crossover is perfect for calm, balanced family people who have already proven everything to everyone in this life. It can be compared to tights - it is thin and practical, and Outlander is like a pair of stockings! He is playful, aggressive, and forces you to always keep your finger on the pulse and be ready to maneuver. It awakens drive! And if you have a lot of it, and you are not afraid to waste it, this car is for you! But in recent years, the price tag has been heavy on it, which scares off the “lion’s share” of buyers. Therefore, it is worth weighing all the nuances and choosing the appropriate unit. The main thing is that the ride is fun!
The market takes up a huge share of the global automobile industry. There are a large number of fans of Japanese automakers who exclusively consider purchasing these cars. Most often their choice falls on Nissan or Toyota. What are the differences between these two brands and which one is better to choose? All this is discussed in this article.
"Nissan" or "Toyota" - that is the question
For a person who wants to purchase a Japanese car, this is a very serious issue that requires immediate discussion. Most often, lovers of Japanese cars consider these brands to be purchased first. The models of these two auto giants are very similar, since they were produced as direct competitors to each other. Therefore, it is necessary to understand this issue and compare some models of these brands to understand which is better: Nissan or Toyota.
Battle of the Giants
Let's start comparing Nissan and Toyota superficially, without delving into the detailed characteristics of the models. Most people think that Toyota is much better than Nissan. This may be true, but since these automakers compete directly with each other, they cannot afford for one of them to be better. As they say, here everyone is good at what. Nissan, for example, focuses on more frequent restyling of its cars and, accordingly, monitors the design of the exterior and interior. Toyota, on the contrary, places its emphasis on the quality of interior materials and the car itself, therefore relegating design to the background. It is also worth mentioning that Toyota produces the same cars for all markets, while Nissan produces its cars, adapting them to different operating conditions. Also, Nissan, unlike Toyota, can use engines with outdated technologies in order to reduce the cost of the car. But this does not mean that Toyota or Nissan are better than each other.
The smallest representatives
So, let's try to compare in detail some of the most iconic models of Nissan and Toyota. But we will compare not models produced for the Russian market, but cars that are the most popular in our country. Let's start our comparison with the smallest representatives of the B class: Toyota Vitz and Nissan March.
Women's cars
Nissan March is a fairly successful model of the company. In terms of exterior design, it is a bit reminiscent of a Volkswagen Beetle; all the lines of the car are smooth. Due to its shape, the Nissan March bears the title of a woman's car, but if you look at its silhouette from the side, this Nissan begins to appear as a sporty urban hatchback. Indeed, the engine options allow us to call it a sports hatchback. You can choose engines from 1.0 to 1.5 liters, with the 1.5 liter engine having a power of 109 hp. s., so for a car weighing only 920 kilograms it is quite enough, especially for versions with all-wheel drive. It's also worth mentioning that small cars are very popular in Japan, so engineers are trying to make them as practical as possible, even at such small sizes. Its trunk volume is very large - 230 liters. But for a small car this is quite a lot. Finding yourself in the cabin of almost all Japanese small cars, you are surprised by the spaciousness of the interior space; the Nissan March is no exception. There is quite enough space up to the front seats, and up to the ceiling - just like in a regular car.
With Toyota Vitz things are completely different. This is a completely ordinary car with no fancy options. This is a budget small hatchback, but for some reason in our country these cute “pot-bellied” cars are so loved. Moreover, it is not only women who buy these cars. The most popular generation in our country is the second, produced from 2005 to 2011. The most common version comes with a 1.3 liter engine producing 87 hp. With. There were also versions with a diesel engine, and gasoline “liter” versions with 3 cylinders. The most unusual feature of the interior is the central instrument panel with digital instruments. As for comfort, even the steering column has reach and height adjustments, which is very good for the budget segment. The versatility of this car is simply off the charts, only it has 3 glove compartments, 2 cup holders and one box for A4 under the passenger seat. The trunk in this car is small, thereby allowing Toyota to gain free legroom for rear passengers.
Conclusion
The question of which is better: Nissan March or Toyota Vitz can be answered this way. These machines are very similar in purpose. These are small, economical, versatile cars. Nissan focused more on design and comfort, while Toyota focused on technology and safety. And what choice to make is up to you. Some people will like Toyota more, others will like Nissan, but in general these are almost identical cars.
Crossover Battle
One of the most popular classes in Russia is crossovers. The most popular Toyota and Nissan models in this class are the Xtrail and Rav 4. Since these cars are sold on the Russian market, you can take the newest models of these cars for comparison.
In fact, they are not very different from each other. Nissan Xtrail has three different engines: 1.6 liter diesel, 2.0 and 2.5 liter petrol. As a gearbox, you can choose either an automatic or a manual; unfortunately, there is no traditional automatic on this car. At Toyota, things happen in a similar way - there are three different engines to choose from: 2.2 liters - diesel, 2.0 and 2.5 liters - petrol. As a gearbox, unlike the Ixtrail, you can choose not only a CVT and manual, but also a classic automatic. Regarding the design of Ixtrail, we can say that the designers took a very bold step. They completely got rid of the chopped forms of the second generation Ixtrail. The design has become more sporty and aggressive. The new "Rav 4" did not adopt anything new in terms of technical stuffing, but it received a rather interesting restyling - aggressive forms of front optics. The rear of the car looks heavy and muscular.
The interior of the Toyota looks premium, it is made in chopped shapes from very high quality materials. We can say that the interior of the new Toyota is made according to all the canons of modern “youth” fashion. The interior of the Nissan is more conservative than that of the Toyota, but it looks modern and stylish. The quality of materials is no worse than that of Toyota.
When it comes to off-road performance, the Nissan does a little better. Toyota's electronic imitations are a little slow-witted; they do not immediately understand the road situation, so sometimes even the lightest off-road conditions are difficult for the Rav 4. "Nissan-Xtrail" copes with off-road conditions confidently, imitations fulfill their role, allowing you to get out of average off-road conditions.
Conclusion: both crossovers are good, of course, they were created with a youth audience in mind, which is confirmed by their aggressive, daring shapes, modern technologies and powerful engines. What to choose: “Nissan-Xtrail” or “Toyota-Rav 4” - it’s up to you.
Subcompact crossovers
More recently, Toyota released a new model of an urban crossover. The Toyota C-HR is a direct competitor to the Nissan Beetle. Some say that the new Toyota is similar to the Nissan Beetle, but the appearance of this SUV is very recognizable. The car looks very knocked down and “muscular”. The front part received a very bold and aggressive design, which is complemented by complex optics and a faceted front bumper. The emphasis in the rear is also placed on pronounced optics. The Nissan Beetle looks no worse. The car looks very extravagant, but not everyone will like this design. The very bold shapes of the optics go well with the “plump” shapes of the car itself.
The Toyota's interior looks futuristic and is more suitable for a young audience. The interior of the Nissan looks worse than the Toyota, it continues the rounded shape of the whole car, so it looks a little old-fashioned. The materials used in the interior trim of the Nissan are rough, and there are also many glossy and easily soiled parts.
Conclusion: in fact, the situation does not change at all - both cars are very good. Of course, in the class of subcompact crossovers, off-road driving is out of the question, but if we compare the facts, Toyota is slightly ahead of Nissan in terms of comfort, interior and exterior design.
"Undecided Guy"
There is another representative of the Nissan brand, which does not have a direct competitor. Nissan-Qashqai belongs to the class of crossovers, but Toyota does not have a crossover that could compete with it. Therefore, here you can ask: “Which is better: Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Camry?” The choice is obvious. Or maybe a Nissan Qashqai or Toyota Rav 4? And again no. Qashqai has no competitor for comparison. Outwardly it looks very premium, it has adopted all the features from its older brother “Ixtrail”. The sloping roof and raised “folds” on the side give it a sporty look.
The range of engines includes 4 units: 1.2 liters and 1.6 liters - petrol, as well as 1.5 and 1.6 liters diesel. As a gearbox, you can only choose a variator and mechanics. Basically, the Nissan Qashqai has front-wheel drive (only one 1.6 diesel engine has all-wheel drive).
Which is better: Nissan or Toyota?
In conclusion, we return to where we started. The debate over which is better - Nissan or Toyota - will continue for a long time. These automakers will continue to produce roughly similar cars, which have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide what to choose, Toyota or Nissan. Consider your purchase and study this issue thoroughly. You can understand whether this model is yours or not only after a familiarization trip or inspection, this way you will find your car.
How do different Japanese cars differ from each other?
Today (as well as in the last ten years), Blagoveshchensk has the most Japanese-made cars. According to estimates from Blagoveshchensk car sellers, Toyota is in first place in popularity, followed by Honda, immediately followed by Nissan, followed by Subaru cars.
“The Fellow Traveler” found out what are the features of each manufacturer and which of these brands are easier to maintain.
Nissan representative.
"Nissan"
At one time, this brand was famous for its luxury cars. Now the manufacturer is focusing more on sports cars. At one time, the Nissan Skyline was very popular in Blagoveshchensk - a car loved by local “drifters”, that is, young people driving around the city at night.
However, now these models have become almost unaffordable due to high duties on cars with large engine capacities.
Honda representative.
"Honda"
Manufacturer mainly specializing in sports cars. This is evidenced by the fact that at the ice car races held in Chigiry, 85 - 90 percent of participating cars are of the Honda brand.
Of course, not all cars are sports cars. However, when compared with other manufacturers, with the same engine displacement, the Honda engine power is higher.
By the way, the peculiarity of cars of this brand is that they practically do not have large engine volumes (usually no more than two liters). They achieve high power due to their own secret technologies that each manufacturer has. In addition, according to car service specialists, the “electronic content” of Honda is more complex than that of other brands, which complicates its repair.
However, according to Blagoveshchensk experts, their depreciation is weaker. On smooth roads it’s not noticeable, but where the road is not very good, you can feel it.
Toyota representative.
"Toyota"
The main reason why in the Far East, and in particular in our city, these cars managed to take a leading position in the auto market is that they have the widest model range,” explains Alexey Ozherelyev, head of the company “Capital of Spare Parts”. - Toyota produces everything - from small cars to trucks, from convertibles to sedans, from diesel engines to gasoline and hybrid, from cheap to expensive. By the way, this brand is also the most common in Japan.
It is not surprising that Toyotas are the easiest to service in Blagoveshchensk. Spare parts for them are easy to find, and most car repair shops are dedicated to repairing cars of this particular brand. By the way, the Chinese also make them. True, the quality of such parts remains controversial - they may simply not withstand the loads that “original” spare parts are capable of. It is especially risky to install spare parts related to the chassis; their breakdown can lead to dire consequences.
Opinion
“Honda and Nissan are the most difficult to maintain,” we were told at the Avtobaks complex. - The design of the car is such that it is very difficult to get to certain parts in the car; for this you need to remove many other parts. It is difficult to find replacement parts; for Honda, for example, they mostly sell Chinese ones, which are often not suitable. You have to either modify them or purchase original Japanese spare parts. The situation is similar with Nissan - you can find parts for minor repairs, but if the breakdown is more or less serious, then you have to order them.
By the way
What do young people like?
Subaru is a favorite brand among young people. The cars are powerful, fast, and are often used in various competitions and rallies. However, they are also often taken by those who simply love driving fast. The model range is not that wide. For example, Subaru does not produce crossovers and jeeps. Subaru has a boxer engine, which is unusual for our Blagoveshchensk auto mechanics.
Mazda cars are also popular. They have good acceleration characteristics, an economical and powerful rotary engine. However, there is also a minus - such an engine has a limited resource. After a run of 100 thousand kilometers, it usually requires replacement.
In the process of this comparison, we will determine which is better: Nissan Qashqai or Mitsubishi ACX. Both cars are worthy of our attention, since Nissan presented the second generation of its brainchild, and Mitsubishi returned to the Russian market after 2 years of absence. In addition, the price category of both cars is approximately the same. Let's compare the Japanese quality of two competitors in the class and find out what to choose.
About models
At the end of 2006, Russian buyers saw the Qashqai compact crossover for the first time. Many are still arguing about whether the model is an SUV or an all-wheel drive hatchback. The first generation had certain complaints from drivers, but the car gained popularity.
8 years later, the second generation of crossover was released in Russia, which took into account the mistakes of previous modifications. The car was received positively and was named one of the leaders in the compact SUV class.
In 2017, the car received a corporate restyling. But, as usual, the model has not yet reached Russia. The 2014 model is on sale at car dealerships.
One of the competitors of the Qashqai 2 was the Mitsubishi ACX, produced since 2010. Over its eight-year history, the car has gone through more than one restyling, but the car has not received any significant changes. In fact, we have before us the first generation of a crossover with a modified design.
In 2015, the US plant that produced ASX specifically for Russia closed. Accordingly, sales of the crossover in our country have ceased. But in 2017, the Japanese company decided to resume sales in order to expand the market.
However, it did not offer buyers anything new except an improved design. Is this Mitsubishi ACX enough to beat its Japanese rival?
Outside
The second generation of Qashqai has seriously changed both in size and design. He became shorter, longer and wider than his older brother. The round headlights that created the image of a good friend disappeared. In their place were narrowed LED lights rising to the wings, which completely changed the perception of the car.
In the center there is a massive chrome V-shaped trim, encircling the Nissan logo. Due to this, the car is perceived completely differently. An uncompromising and high-performance crossover, making it clear that its status is one level higher compared to the previous generation.
The exterior is quite similar to the X-Trail of the same model range, only smaller. The lines are sharper and longer, making the car visually lower and sportier. This is typical for almost all cars of the last 5 years. Optionally, in the maximum configuration, the manufacturer offers 19-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive design.
The Mitsubishi ASX is trying to keep up with its exterior design. Seeing the front of the car, the familiar X-shaped styling catches your eye. It is expressed in chrome inserts running from the headlights to the bumper. These elements are reminiscent of the Pajero Sport style.
The headlights and bumpers underwent minor changes, and the profile relief was also modernized. But in general, ACX is very similar to itself 8 years ago. It is built on the same platform and has the same problems.
If you compare the design of both models, the Mitsubishi ASX is an outdated car. He does not offer anything new to his customers, but exploits the once created image, adding stylish details to it. In this regard, this crossover resembles the Niva - the years go by, but it remains unchanged! The designers of the 2017 Nissan Qashqai definitely won the battle for the best appearance, and we are waiting for the new generation of Mitsubishi ASX, believing that the company will still decide to upgrade its “worn-out” model.
What is inside?
The interior of the Nissan Qashqai has been seriously improved compared to the previous generation. The manufacturer began to use better quality materials, increased the level of comfort and ergonomics. But the design of the front panel and the location of the control buttons were borrowed from the Nissan X-Trail.
What is the difference between the X-Trail and the Qashqai, you ask? Paradoxically, the difference is in comfort, ergonomics and quality of finishing materials. According to these indicators, the Nissan Qashqai 2016-2017 is head and shoulders above its ancestor, but inferior to its larger relative.
The instrument panel is presented in the form of two large and easily readable dials with a compact on-board computer in the middle. The steering wheel and gear lever are absolutely identical to the X-Trail. The front seats are comfortable and have several adjustment modes. In more expensive versions, the client receives electric seat adjustment in 6 directions.
The interior design looks modern, simple and tasteful. Nothing extra. All elements fit well into the overall style and are in their place. Inside the new Qashqai, the driver feels more solid than in the previous generation model.
The interior of the Mitsubishi ACX 2017 remains rough, but understandable. The control buttons for various functions are located intuitively, but the design of the interior a decade ago makes itself felt. The central display is sparse in terms of functions and lacks graphic clarity. The speed of the computer also suffers.
The only noticeable change in the interior of the restyled version is a change in the location of the cup holder and the drive control button. But this change is rather a minus, since the all-wheel drive adjustment tool has been removed behind the gearshift lever. When it was located on the armrest, it was easier to control.
In the second row, the cars perform the same way. The legroom is flush. Passengers taller than 190 cm will have to struggle to find knee room.
The ceiling does not press, and the Qashqai even has a panoramic roof, which visually expands the car’s interior.
Compared to the previous generation Nissan, the new crossover has more legroom. But the space was freed up due to the almost vertical seating on the sofa, which is extremely inconvenient on long trips.
The trunk volume is approximately the same: 430 liters. vs 400 l. Qashqai is slightly ahead.
Now about the technical equipment. If Qashqai keeps pace with progress, introducing the same set of safety systems as in the X-Trail, then ACX 2017 marketers seem to believe that the car will be happy to buy because of the heated steering wheel and cruise control. It's unfortunate, but even the latest Mitsubishi trim doesn't have parking sensors or lane control. The maximum you can count on is light and rain sensors, a descent assist system, a single rear view camera and a keyless entry system.
In addition to the above options in the Nissan Qashqai you will find a blind spot monitoring system, a 360⁰ surround view system, a lane control system and even an intelligent parking assistant. Next to it, ACX cannot be compared.
Recently, the AvtoVzglyad portal published material about the most dangerous ones on the Russian market, based on data from recall campaigns conducted recently by manufacturers. Representatives of Toyota did not agree that their car was among the “winners”, and sent to the editor an official refutation of the journalistic “fabrications”, which we present without cuts.
“On behalf of the company, we would like to point out the incorrect use of terms and distortion of facts in relation to the activities carried out by Toyota. First of all, we draw the attention of the author and readers to the fact that service campaigns are preventive in nature. Toyota pays special attention to the quality of the cars it produces. After the sale, the company constantly evaluates how the cars behave during operation. From time to time, the possibility may arise that certain components or characteristics of vehicles may not comply with established technical regulations. In such cases, Toyota openly announces a service campaign and diagnoses and repairs customer cars free of charge.
Secondly, we would like to point out that on 6576 vehicles equipped with a 2.0 liter engine, there is a possibility that if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released at a certain frequency, the exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR1) may not close completely due to incorrect engine control unit software, as a result of which exhaust gases can constantly circulate in the EGR system, which can lead to unstable engine idling and only in extremely rare cases to engine stalling while driving. Not a single case related to the situation described above has been recorded in Russia.”
Well, we will not argue with the opinion of the Japanese company’s specialists, although we did not find any examples of “incorrect use of terms and distortion of facts in relation to service campaigns” in this text. Moreover, we agree in principle that such promotions are used mostly as an informational occasion - so that the brand is not forgotten. However, in some cases, the driving motive may well be genuine concern for the client. Which, by the way, was also written about by the AvtoVzglyad portal.
However, regarding the issue of the legendary reliability of Toyota cars, let us doubt that it is head and shoulders above all other brands. To begin with, let us refer to the results of studies conducted by the analytical agency. According to him, as of the beginning of 2016, there were 40,850,000 passenger cars in Russia, of which cars of foreign brands accounted for a little more than half, or more precisely, 58%. At the same time, during this year, our fellow citizens and guests of the country purchased components worth 834.2 billion rubles for their “iron horses” with foreign pedigree. The undisputed leadership in sales of spare parts for passenger cars belongs to Toyota, which accounted for a sixth of the total purchases. Toyota owners spent 134.3 billion rubles on parts for their cars!
At first glance, it may seem that this is a verdict on the reliability of the products of the Japanese company. Moreover, it is final and not subject to appeal. However, her affairs are still not so bad. The fact is that there are 3,544,099 Toyota cars running across the expanses of our Motherland, which corresponds to 15% of all “foreign cars” that have taken root here. Spare parts for them were sold in the amount of 16.1% of the total number of sold parts for cars of foreign brands. And yet, a comparison of the last two values does not in any way confirm the amazing reliability of Toyota.
On the contrary, they are more reminiscent of the average temperature in the hospital, with a bias towards slightly more “fragility” than in the ordinary case. But let’s not run ahead of the locomotive and let’s see what other leaders of the Russian fleet are showing us. Toyota is followed by another Japanese company in terms of the total number of cars sold. It accounts for 8% of the market and 8.5% of money spent on spare parts. The proportion is approximately the same, but slightly more in favor of Nissan. They are followed by Korean with figures of 6.6% and 6.1%, respectively. Next are French (5.9% and 5.6%) and German (5.7 and 5.5).
Interestingly, have you noticed that both Japanese brands require more expenses from their owners than Korean and European ones? Of course, you can refer to the fact that Toyota's spare parts are more expensive, and the car has to do scheduled maintenance more often than others. This is indeed the case, and for greater objectivity, let’s try to look at a couple of reliability ratings. Thus, AvtoVzglyad recently cited data from the American J.D. Power and Associates, which takes into account the problems that car owners face in the first 90 days after purchase
