Right here’s a query so that you can mull on: might the Nissan Qashqai be one of many biggest British automobiles ever? Now, earlier than you hurl your cup of tea on the display screen, let me clarify.
After all, it’s not as revolutionary and entertaining as, say, the unique Mini or as glamorous and fascinating because the Jaguar E-Kind, however by way of its influence on the automotive panorama, it arguably knocks these two icons right into a cocked hat. I imply, simply have a look at the proof.
Since its launch in 2007, the Qashqai has been a perennial presence within the UK high 10 sellers listing and globally has racked up properly over 3.5 million gross sales and counting (the Mini managed 5.5m, however over a virtually 50-year manufacturing run). Out on British roads, the Nissan is as acquainted a sight as site visitors lights or double yellow strains.
And there’s extra. Regardless of its Japanese badge, the Qashqai has as a lot British content material as a Melton Mowbray pork pie. Not solely is it constructed at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, however the majority of the engineering for the unique and its 2014 substitute was carried out on the agency’s technical facility at Cranfield as properly, and the ultimate design work was signed off at its styling studios in Paddington, London.
Then there’s its affect. Imitation is the sincerest type of flattery and all that, and prior to now decade or so, the Nissan has spawned a mess of compact crossover copycat rivals (greater than 20 on the final depend) all hoping to money in on the Qashqai’s success. But regardless of the elevated competitors, it stays the gross sales charts’ high canine. In so some ways, the Nissan is a four-wheeled phenomenon.
No, it’s not as sharp to drive as a standard household hatch, or as environment friendly due to its bluff aerodynamics and hefty kerb weight. You could possibly additionally accuse it of being no extra sensible or versatile, regardless of the approach to life message that loudly accompanies every instance. But these accusations might be geared toward any of its rivals. Crucially, its loyal and plentiful patrons don’t appear to provide a fig, and everyone knows that the client is all the time proper.
So prefer it or detest it, there’s no doubting the Qashqai’s unimaginable success. Conventional lovers could not totally perceive the staggering reputation of crossovers, however because the wraps are pulled off the newest, third-generation machine, we should always all doff our caps and acknowledge that maybe the Nissan must be allowed to stake its declare to greatness.
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