Skip advert
Advertisement

Crossover of the Year 2015: Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is the 2015 Auto Express Crossover of the Year, with the Citroen C4 Cactus and Mazda CX-3 commended

The Qashqai kicked off the modern crossover revolution – and it’s still the best. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and although many rivals come close, none can knock the Nissan off top spot in this class.

This second-generation model is stronger than ever. The British-built Qashqai has plenty of style, but despite its crisp looks, Nissan hasn’t forgotten its family car roots. It’s a striking alternative to a regular hatchback, and with a big 430-litre boot there’s plenty of space on offer.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is reflected inside, too, as the cabin is roomy and smart thanks to a sweeping dash design and advanced tech. Foremost among this is Nissan’s clever Safety Shield, which features protective extras such as blind-spot warning, moving object detection and a 360-degree around view camera system, while options include autonomous braking and full LED headlights.

Tech under the bonnet is a match for the rest of the car, as the compact but impressive range of engines returns strong efficiency. The 1.5- litre dCi turbodiesel emits just 99g/km of CO2, meaning you won’t have to pay any road tax. Even the more powerful 1.6 dCi is clean, while the 1.2 DIG-T petrol delivers a good blend of performance and economy, due to its tiny turbo.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s not too much noise from the diesel engines and the soft but composed chassis rides all surfaces with a real composure. It means you can cruise for long distances in lots of comfort, but turn off the motorway and have fun when you want to. Plus with four-wheel drive and auto boxes on offer, there’s plenty of choice, too.

Our choice

Qashqai 1.5 dCi Acenta Premium (£23,730)

Safety Shield technology comes as standard on the Acenta Premium, which represents the best mix of equipment and value. Add in the frugal 1.5-litre diesel engine and the Qashqai is a cost-effective, quality family car which also comes with a real sense of style.

Commended

Citroen C4 Cactus cornering

Citroen C4 Cactus

Citroen’s fresh approach to crossover design still looks great, and the C4 Cactus offers something different again thanks to its fashion-focused interior, unusual design and body-protecting trademark Airbumps. Low prices, frugal engines and a soft ride mean it’s a comfortable crossover that should be on any buyer’s shortlist.

Mazda CX-3 - front tracking

Mazda CX-3

Hitting the market earlier this year, the CX-3 offers everything that we would expect from a Mazda crossover. It’s great to drive with punchy engines and a lovely chassis, plus it also has a practical, premium cabin. Smart looks and efficient engines mean the CX-3 should follow in the larger Mazda CX-5’s successful footsteps.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2015

For complete, in-depth coverage of the New Car Awards 2015, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now...  

Mag cover awards 2015 issue


in association with

 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
Best cars for £3,000 or less
Best used cars for £3,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £3,000 or less

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are some great used cars available for £3,000 or less
Best cars & vans
7 Feb 2025
Best new car deals: 15 hot offers handpicked for you
Best new car deals - February 2025 header image

Best new car deals: 15 hot offers handpicked for you

Fancy a brand new car and want to pay for it monthly, but don’t know where to start? We’ve scoured the very best offers available right now.
Best cars & vans
7 Feb 2025
Best-selling cars 2025: the year's 10 most popular models
Best-selling cars - header image

Best-selling cars 2025: the year's 10 most popular models

These are officially Britain’s biggest-selling new cars so far this year
Best cars & vans
5 Feb 2025

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts