Nissan Qashqai: class-leading efficiency

A family-sized SUV without crippling fuel economy. Expert car reviewer Andrew Frankel says he can see why the Nissan Qashqai is so popular

Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Acenta

This model from £21,600

With the new Nissan Qashqai comes a new 1.5-litre diesel engine, capable of achieving feats of fuel consumption hitherto unknown in this class of car. Indeed, until recently if you really cared about fuel economy, you’d never consider a crossover like this because there are any number of conventional family cars offering just as much space with far lower running costs.

This ultra-frugal Qashqai changes all that, and with it comes sub-100g/km CO2 emissions – another outstanding achievement in this category.

What this means is you can have all the things crossovers do so well – primarily, distinctive looks and a high driving position – with specific Qashqai strengths, such as interior space and cabin quality, that you no longer have to suffer at the pumps to enjoy.