Well first, the Qashqai is not actually Japanese, it is a Renault Megane on stilts. Secondly you really can't judge the safety of a small car based on what I assume, is a Mk1 Ka. Car safety in all classes has come on massively since then!. We have a current shape Honda Jazz and not only would it provide at least as good if not better crash protection than your Qashqai, it is also one of the safest cars in it's class. Look at the EuroNCAP website for details.