12:30 pm, April 17, 2008
NISSAN’S trophy cabinet is getting full with the manufacturer picking up another three industry gongs.
Qashqai, the innovative compact crossover, added to its tally of seven honours so far by grabbing Best Medium Family Car at the What Diesel Car Of The Year awards, beating off stiff competition from Ford’s Focus and Hyundai’s i30.
And the same judging panel, which included a number of respected independent journalists among its ranks, chose the Navara (pictured) – up against rivals such as the Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux – as the Best Pickup.
‘Nissan shook up the sector with the Qashqai, proving that family transport need not be boring transport,’ explained What Diesel editor Ian Robertson. ‘While the Navara manages to perfectly balance the fine line between dependable workhorse and stylishness.’
That’s a view endorsed by Professional Van & Light Truck magazine which also voted Navara Best Pickup at its traditional Commercial Vehicle Show awards dinner.
The awards reflect burgeoning sales of both Nissan models. Qashqai has been a huge success with over 25,000 units sold since launching in the UK just over a year ago, while in the pickup market, the Navara continues to be the number one best seller, continuing its strong performance of 2007 in what is a very competitive marketplace.
