Nissan’s green desirability reaps rewards
The latest highly coveted What Car? Green Awards have delivered a ringing endorsement of the environmental competitiveness of Nissan’s current model line-up with the best-selling, British-built Qashqai emerging triumphant in the Green Crossover category. The Renault-Nissan Alliance also received a special Editor’s Award for its pioneering role in bringing practical and fun electric cars to market.
Winning eco-credentials
Qashqai introduced the crossover concept to the mainstream when it arrived three years ago, and its unique blend of stylish sophistication, great practicality and competitive running costs proved to be a winning combination in the eyes of the What Car? judges.
“The Qashqai 1.5 dCi Visia Pure Drive won the Crossover category for its cost-effectiveness, practicality, comfort, drivability and environmental credentials,” explains What Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler. “It’s a great family car, the cabin is spacious and classy, while the tall stance gives an excellent view of the road ahead.”
Its eco-credentials drew particular praise and while the Pure Drive model is capable of spirited performance when called upon, it also returns 57.6mpg on the Combined cycle and CO2 emissions are just 129g/km.
That Qashqai’s winning qualities have also been recognised by UK motorists is clearly reflected in record sales, including a total of 19,244 units during the first half of 2010 – that’s a 44% increase over last year. Furthermore, its June performance – 5,636 units, an increase of 160% – ensured that it was not only the best-selling crossover and best-selling UK-built diesel car, but also the UK’s fifth best selling car.
Renault-Nissan Alliance – the electric car pioneer
It was a double celebration for Nissan as the Renault-Nissan Alliance was also presented with the special Editor’s Award. Nissan’s new Leaf, the world’s first mass-produced, affordable – and desirable – zero-emission car, was a key element behind the What Car? judges’ decision.
“The What Car? Green Award is a powerful vindication of our commitment to a programme of green technology that is innovative yet recognises that customers don’t want to compromise on practicality and driving enjoyment,” comments Nissan’s Vice President of Vehicle design & development, Jerry Hardcastle.
“That philosophy is reflected both in the strength of our current range, particularly the Pure Drive programme, and in the Alliance’s lead in bringing desirable zero emission vehicles to the mainstream marketplace.”
