Nissan Qashqai: Ten reasons to buy the fantastic small SUV

From the car's five-star safety and sharp handling to its spacious and versatile boot

The Nissan Qashqai has been a consistent performer in the sales charts

The Nissan Qashqai is a perennial favourite among small SUV fans. But what makes it such a consistent performer in the sales charts, as well as the winner of numerous automotive awards? Well, we’ve got ten good reasons for starters…

10. Big-car feel – outside and in

No car in the small SUV market has the right to exhibit such an upmarket feel. Smart on the outside, even smarter on the inside, the Qashqai boasts a great lay-out, plenty of soft-touch dashboard materials and a glossy piano-black finish in the higher-end models. A touchscreen infotainment system is the icing on the cake.

9. Five-star safety

Euro NCAP has awarded the Nissan a full five-star safety rating. That’s thanks to the six airbags, emergency braking assistance and stability control. You can add autonomous emergency braking and other similarly hi-tech kit as an option.

8. It eats up British roads

The UK’s poor roads are a true test of any car, but the home-developed Qashqai chews up most lumps and bumps, and spits them out without a murmur. Fidgeting is well contained, even over the worst surfaces.

7. Looks big, handles small!

Nippy, sharp and well controlled in bends – this is one chunky SUV that revels in its small-car driving feel. Who needs a family hatch when a bigger, more practical car is this user-friendly?

6. Refined at speed

Comfort is king in the Nissan. Most of the engines are quiet on the motorway, while road and wind noise are equally hushed. It’s the best of the small SUV bunch when it come to refinement.

5. Cheap to run

Check out the strong economy virtually throughout the engine range – particularly the 1.5-litre diesel. That model’s sub-100g/km of CO2 emissions is particularly tempting for business drivers.

4. Sitting comfortably?

Wide seat and steering wheel adjustment, great all-round visibility and a high-set position mean the Nissan is a very comfortable car to drive. The rear compartment is just as spacious.

3. Versatile boot

Spacious with the split-folding seats up, cavernous with them down; the Qashqai’s clever luggage area is a practical marvel. A false boot floor allows you to hide valuables away.

2. High spec levels

Air-conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity are standard even in entry-level Visia models; our fave N-Connecta spec adds a 7.0in infotainment screen with sat-nav.

1. Diesel engines

That 1.5-litre diesel is our pick of the Qashqai powerplants. It’s smooth, and strong from low down; a particular delight when teamed with the impressive standard six-speed manual transmission.