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Nissan Qashqai J11 in 2018: How the 1.3 DIG-T Replaced the 1.2 and 1.6
In October 2018 Nissan gave the second-generation Qashqai (J11) a new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, the 1.3 DIG-T. It came in two outputs, 103 kW (140 PS) and 117 kW (160 PS), and replaced the 1.2 and 1.6 petrol units. A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox followed in November. The J11 gave way to the third-generation Qashqai in 2021.
Key takeaways
- The 1.3 DIG-T, developed within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, went on sale in Europe in October 2018.
- Outputs: 103 kW (140 PS) with 240 Nm, and 117 kW (160 PS) with 260 Nm, or 270 Nm with the DCT.
- CO2 fell by 8–13 g/km against the outgoing engines, and every version met Euro 6d-Temp.
- The J12 Qashqai replaced the J11 in 2021, and a revised e-Power version entered production at Sunderland in 2025.
Why the Qashqai got a new engine in 2018
The J11 was introduced in London on 7 November 2013 and went on sale in the UK in February 2014. A facelift followed at the 2017 Geneva show. The engines needed work next. The WLTP test became mandatory for all new cars in September 2018, and the Euro 6d-Temp limits were close behind.
Size at a glance
Citroen C4 Aircross
The Nissan Qashqai III is 84 mm longer and 36 mm wider than the Citroen C4 Aircross.
| Dimensions | Nissan Qashqai III | Citroen C4 Aircross | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,425 mm174.2 in | 4,341 mm170.9 in | +84 mm+3.3 in |
| Width | 1,835 mm72.2 in | 1,799 mm70.8 in | +36 mm+1.4 in |
| Height | 1,625 mm64.0 in | 1,625 mm64.0 in | Same |
| Wheelbase | 2,665 mm104.9 in | - | - |
| Boot | 504 L17.8 cu ft | 384 L13.6 cu ft | +120 L+4.2 cu ft |
Mitsubishi ASX I
The Nissan Qashqai III is 130 mm longer and 65 mm wider than the Mitsubishi ASX I.
| Dimensions | Nissan Qashqai III | Mitsubishi ASX I | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,425 mm174.2 in | 4,295 mm169.1 in | +130 mm+5.1 in |
| Width | 1,835 mm72.2 in | 1,770 mm69.7 in | +65 mm+2.6 in |
| Height | 1,625 mm64.0 in | 1,625 mm64.0 in | Same |
| Wheelbase | 2,665 mm104.9 in | 2,670 mm105.1 in | −5 mm−0.2 in |
| Boot | 504 L17.8 cu ft | 415 L14.7 cu ft | +89 L+3.1 cu ft |
Nissan Qashqai J11
The Nissan Qashqai III is 48 mm longer, 29 mm wider and 30 mm taller than the Nissan Qashqai J11.
| Dimensions | Nissan Qashqai III | Nissan Qashqai J11 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,425 mm174.2 in | 4,377 mm172.3 in | +48 mm+1.9 in |
| Width | 1,835 mm72.2 in | 1,806 mm71.1 in | +29 mm+1.1 in |
| Height | 1,625 mm64.0 in | 1,595 mm62.8 in | +30 mm+1.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,665 mm104.9 in | 2,646 mm104.2 in | +19 mm+0.7 in |
| Boot | 504 L17.8 cu ft | 430 L15.2 cu ft | +74 L+2.6 cu ft |
Nissan's answer was a smaller four-cylinder turbo shared across the Alliance. Our Nissan Qashqai overview covers every generation.
The 1.3 DIG-T in figures
| Version | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 DIG-T 140 | 103 kW (140 PS) | 240 Nm | 6-speed manual | 1.2 DIG-T, 85 kW (115 PS) |
| 1.3 DIG-T 160 | 117 kW (160 PS) | 260 Nm | 6-speed manual | 1.6 DIG-T, 120 kW (163 PS) |
| 1.3 DIG-T 160 DCT | 117 kW (160 PS) | 270 Nm | 7-speed DCT (from November 2018) | 1.2 with CVT |
Nissan called it the first DCT in one of its volume models. Under the NEDC-correlated test, CO2 started at 121 g/km on 17-inch wheels and rose to 130 g/km on 18- and 19-inch rims. The 140 PS manual emitted 8 g/km less than the old 1.2. The 160 PS manual saved 13 g/km against the 1.6.
UK list prices ran from 19,595 pounds (≈ €22,100 in 2018) for the Visia 140 to 28,595 pounds (≈ €32,300) for the Tekna 160. A 1.7 dCi diesel of 110 kW (150 PS) arrived in 2019.
Qashqai rivals and sales in 2017–2019
The Qashqai was Europe's reference compact crossover, facing the SEAT Ateca, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. Its European sales peaked at 247,199 cars in 2017 and stayed at 229,382 in 2018. Sales were still 218,946 in 2019, the first full year of the new engine.
From the J11 to the J12 Qashqai
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 2018 | 1.3 DIG-T in 103 kW and 117 kW versions |
| Nov 2018 | 7-speed DCT on the 117 kW engine |
| 2019 | 1.7 dCi diesel, 110 kW (150 PS) |
| 18 Feb 2021 | Third-generation J12 revealed with 1.3 mild hybrids; an e-Power series hybrid with a 140 kW (190 PS) motor joined the range |
| 17 Apr 2024 | J12 facelift with an Ariya-style nose and Google-based infotainment |
| 2025 | Upgraded e-Power version in production at Sunderland |
The 1.3 DIG-T survived into the J12 as a 12-volt mild hybrid with the same 103 kW and 117 kW outputs. J11 sales in Europe fell to 135,829 in 2020.
The Qashqai in 2026: which used J11 to buy
In October 2026 the facelifted J12 is the current Qashqai, built at Sunderland in the UK. We found no official date for a fourth generation.
Used J11 advice: pick a 1.3 DIG-T car from late 2018 onwards if you want the cleanest petrol. The 140 PS manual suits most drivers; the 160 PS DCT is the relaxed town choice. For low annual mileage it is usually cheaper to run than the diesel. Compare running costs with the fuel cost calculator and set it against rivals in the comparison tool. Other models are in the Nissan catalogue.
FAQ
When did the Qashqai get the 1.3 DIG-T engine?
Nissan launched it in Europe in October 2018, with the dual-clutch version following in November. It replaced the 1.2 and 1.6 petrol engines in the facelifted J11.
How powerful is the Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T?
The 140 version gives 103 kW and 240 Nm, and the 160 version gives 117 kW with 260 Nm. With the 7-speed DCT, torque rose to 270 Nm, and both outputs met the Euro 6d-Temp limits.
Is the 1.3 DIG-T a Renault engine?
It was developed within the Renault-Nissan Alliance and is shared with Renault models. Nissan builds it into the Qashqai under the DIG-T name, and Renault uses its own badges.
Which Qashqai generation is current in 2026?
The third generation, coded J12, revealed in February 2021 and facelifted in April 2024. It is sold with the 1.3 mild-hybrid petrol or the e-Power series hybrid.
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