Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ DIG-T 158 - long-term review

Is it me, or has anyone else noticed that there’s decreasing respect for others’ property? Twice recently, the TG Nissan Qashqai has been the victim of wanton vandalism. And no, actually, I’m not exaggerating.

Case number one: the Qashqai has recently spent a few days in the car park at Heathrow airport. Which is fine. Except it would appear someone couldn’t manage to walk around the end of the row (three cars away) and instead dragged a case along the top of its rear nearside door handle leaving behind an unsightly black line behind.

Seriously? How hard is it to walk those extra few yards? Allow me to answer my own question – it’s NOT AT ALL difficult. What’s difficult is returning from a relaxing break to find your new car has an unsightly mark on it. You’re tired, you’ve got a limited time to get out of the car park before you exceed your ticket time limit and some idiot has spoiled your car. For pity’s sake.

Fortunately, when I got home, a firm rub with some cleaning fluid remedied the situation, but the lack of courtesy for others’ property does make me cross. Why can’t people be more respectful and careful of others’ property? Put yourself in others’ shoes, people. A bit of empathy please. And if you do biff someone's pride and joy, then own up. Leave a note. Have some manners.

Then, the following morning, I go food shopping and get back to the Qashqai with my many bags to find someone has let their trolley go and it’s resting against the boot of the Nissan. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH PEOPLE?

OK, there was no actual damage. But again, it didn’t need to happen. The stress is unnecessary. There’s a trolley park 20ft away, to put trolleys in there is no hardship – after all, you’ve already walked/drifted all the way around a supermarket, what’s an extra few metres? Surely a bigger step count is better than a smaller step count – every pace counts.

I appreciate it’s not just me this happens to, it’s everyone. How many times have you come back to your car to find a scratch gifted to you by someone who has not only ruined your car and your day, but also not left a note to apologise? Why is humanity so discourteous? So rude? So disrespectful? Since when have we turned into a society that doesn’t care? The Qashqai is proving to be a worthy companion, and doesn't deserve this.