Letter From Europe - August 2015 - Nissan Qashqai, BMW, Lake Bled, Hungarian Fun

European Adventure
by Andrew Frankl
European Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel

If someone had told me  that something called Nissan Qashqai could ever be a success I would have laughed. Well, with over 2 million sold it is Nissan who are doing the laughing. The European version is built in Sunderland in the North of England, not a town renowned for its automotive skills. And yet, to everyone’s surprise the plant’s quality is as good as any other in the Nissan empire.

When it was launched back in 2006 it leapt to the top of the crossover class in the UK. A number of manufacturers followed suit but so far in the UK the Skoda Yeti (honestly, that is what it’s called) the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5 have not been near the Qashqai.

There are several versions, the test car we were given in Budapest, Hungary was the 1.6 liter turbo with a delightful 6 speed gearbox. It turned out to be a massive success. Firstly the number plate which came from the Czech Republic. Now you may laugh but it was respected  everywhere. The Hungarians didn’t honk because after all it came from a friendly country just up the road and neither did the Austrians or the Slovenians. If you think I am making this up try getting a friendly greeting in California with a New Jersey number plate..

Anyway, first things first we had to get vignettes, stickers, call them what you like. These, for not a great deal of money allow you to drive on highways. Otherwise you can still drive there but will get a ticket even if you live in the United States. So we bought one. The Hungarian one is all electronic, the ones in Austria and Slovenia have to be displayed on the windscreen so that these can be read. All good fun.

With tons of luggage from San Francisco we had some doubts but the car swallowed it all with impunity. We  also had some concerns about the relatively small engine with three up on the autobahns. Yes, the 0-60 figure of around 9 seconds is not exactly what one might call breathtaking but once we were up and running 135 km/o  per hour was the norm. Fuel consumption was around 7 liter per 100, which was first class. We loved the nav system which got us out of several jams in the middle of Vienna, especially we confused the Art hotel with the Alt hotel. Never mind. By the way if you want to see some amazing footage of the Austrian capital go and see Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise. There are some great chase scenes in the metro/underground station where  we were just a few weeks ago and some amazing shots of the world famous Opera House. 

Next stop-Bled! Bled-I hear you ask? Yes.  Bled. Students of history will recall  Marshall Tito who was first a partisan fighting the Nazis and later became the ruler of  what-for a long time- was Yugoslavia. These days it is in bits-Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia to name but four.

According to people we’ve met in Bled they were a lot better off under Tito.

At least it was one nation. Anyway we were there not to get involved in local politics but to enjoy Lake Bled-one of the wonders of the World. The hotel where we stayed was President Tito’s summer residence and it is easy to see why. Just look at two signatures in the guest book: Prince Charles of Great Britain and Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles. 

The lake is total magic. All motor boats are banned and tourists get around in the local version of gondolas or as was the case with TACH’s correspondent- on  a pedal board. Loved it. The food is great, the views are breathtaking and the natives are friendly. What more can one ask for?

Still. After a few days it was time to move on to Hungary.

The European Union may have many problems but not having borders between member countries is great. Gone are the days of miserable border guards and long delays. The crossing between Slovenia and Hungary took precisely 10 seconds. Just before we did stop for a bathroom stop. Terribly funny: if you had a coffee it was free otherwise it was about 50 cents. You may argue about this but the facility was squeaky clean and a very far cry from the depressingly gas stations across the State . Lake Balaton was our next destination and yet again the nav system got us there without a hitch. As it was boiling hot during the entire trip we made good use of the  A/C which was a life saver. The brakes were never seriously tested as we were driving well within the car’s capabilities and the same goes for the handling. We  didn’t have any scary moments in over 1000 miles. Complaints? Basically just two. The interior was somewhat gloomy and the engine could have used a little but more oomph. But overall, for cruising round some  of the most beautiful parts of Europe it was a joy. Would I recommend the Qashqai? Absolutely. 

Mind you. If you have a very good radar detector and a prayer book to make sure that you don’t get caught BMW’s X6 diesel could be the answer. Oh, my life! Is it quick or what?! Also seriously expensive but if there is a better very high speed intercontinental express somebody please tell me. Some people say it is quirky, others call it odd. All I can say is that I loved it. Took me to the Hungaroring  ( bit of a tradition between BMW and  your correspondent)where I was commentating for Hungarian Television but got interviewed by  Americas’s NBCSport network for good measure as well. 

My friend John in the media car park very kindly kept me a great parking spot so I could get away rather rapidly before the hordes of Fords, Opels and Suzukis descended on the only exit. Mind you, times have changed. I didn’t see a single Trabant whereas 30 years ago I saw nothing but Trabants. For the uninitiated Trabants were the pride and joy of the East German automobile industry, currently being offered to curious tourists who simply love them. For about five minutes. But coming back to the X6 the car park at Budapest’s world famous Gundel restaurant was full the evening before the Grand Prix. At least until we pulled up  the BMW. Then, just like the Red Sea the lanes parted and hey presto  in seconds we were in rock star  position just outside the main entrance. 

So ended our European trip. Great places, two excellent cars and some great motoring. Nissan, BMW-thank you. See you next year!