The Nissan Qashqai: A British Automotive Success Story

Introduction

The Nissan Qashqai has become one of the most successful cars in the UK, solidifying its position as a shining beacon for the brand. Since its launch in 2006, the Qashqai has revolutionized the crossover market and played a crucial role in saving Nissan’s European operations. Not only is it a success story for Nissan, but it also highlights the strength of UK car manufacturing, with production taking place in Sunderland.

A Game-Changing Crossover

The Qashqai’s popularity stems from its ability to offer the rugged appearance of an off-roader without the heavy and inefficient hardware. This concept resonated with consumers, making it the best-selling car in the UK in 2022 and second only to the Ford Puma the following year. Despite facing tough competition, the Qashqai remained a crowd pleaser and maintained its sales momentum.

A Shift Towards Hybrid Powertrains

In this latest generation, Nissan has made a strategic move by discontinuing diesel models and focusing on a mix of mild-hybrid and full-hybrid powertrains. All models now feature four-cylinder petrol engines. The range starts with the DIG-T 140 Mild Hybrid, offering 138bhp and a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds. The DIG-T 158 mild-hybrid provides 155bhp and a 0-62mph sprint of 9.5 seconds. The full-hybrid E-Power models boast 187bhp and can reach 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds.

Conclusion

The Nissan Qashqai continues to be a formidable contender in the crossover market, even with the emergence of strong competitors. Its success story showcases the innovation and resilience of British car manufacturing. With its latest generation embracing hybrid powertrains, the Qashqai remains a crowd pleaser and a symbol of Nissan’s commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands.