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Is Nissan’s new Qashqai SUV really a Golf competitor?

The new Nissan Qashqai is a 4×4 aimed at the VW Golf hatchback market. But does it really measure up as a hatchback? And which is the best business car decision? Jason King provides his expert view.

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10 January 2012

The new Nissan Qashqai is a 4×4 aimed at the VW Golf hatchback market. But does it really measure up as a hatchback? And which is the best business car decision? Jason King provides his expert view.Nissan has taken a conscious decision to offer something different.

Its vehicles don’t fit easily into defined classes of car. Nissan wants to offer ‘crossover’ vehicles that provide drivers with extra versatility.

Enter the Qashqai. If this was an old Nissan, it would be the Almera. But Nissan has moved on. The Qashqai looks more SUV, sits taller and offers a higher driving position. And has the option of an electronic 4×4 system.

Its rivals aren’t other 4×4 SUVs. But cars like the Focus, Astra and Golf.

Prices start at under L14,000. This includes air conditioning, alloy wheels and Bluetooth connectivity.

There are three trims. These, like the car, are different from the norm:

  • Visia
  • Accenta
  • Tekna

But does it succeed? Yes, I think it does. It should be seen as a family hatchback that offers a little more versatility. And builds on Nissan’s growing 4×4 reputation.

But is it a better business proposition than a Golf?

In overall terms, the new Qashqai loses out to the Golf. Over 60,000 miles and three years it will depreciate L9,876. That’s equal to 38% of its new price.

The Golf will depreciate less – losing only L8,937, while retaining 43% of its value.

On that score, the Golf is the superior business decision, but the Qashqai makes for a very interesting alternative.

New Qashqai v Golf: which is better business value?

  • Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi Accenta, cost new L15,951: 38% retained value; -L9,876 lost in depreciation
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDi 5dr, cost new L15,637: 43% retained value, -L8,937 lost in depreciation

Source : EurotaxGlass’s, based on 36 months/60,000 mile predictions.

EurotaxGlass’s publishes Glass’s Guide, the expert book on used car prices. If you want to find out more, visit
www.eurotaxglass.co.uk.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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