Nissan Qashqai Is The UK's Best-Selling New Car In 2022

The popular SUV has been revealed as the best-selling new car in 2022, praised for its industry-leading technology and new crossover design.

Nissan Qashqai has been confirmed as the most-sold car in the United Kingdom last year. This has been the first time since 1998 that the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) has marked a British-built model as the best-selling model.

The British-built Qashqai surpassed models such as Vauxhall Corsa, Tesla Model Y, Form Puma and Mini. It was also the third most-sold new car in December 2022, only losing to Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

A total of 42,704 Nissan Qashqai vehicles were sold in the UK in 2022. This is the first time Nissan has reached the chart's top spot.

The Nissan Motor (GB) managing director Andrew Humberstone said:

“This is a landmark moment for a landmark car, and it’s great to see how the latest generation Qashqai has struck a chord with car buyers here in the UK.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to see this car’s increasing success over the last 16 years, and it’s a fitting tribute to the skills and talents of Nissan’s excellent design, engineering, production and sales teams all around the UK.”

The achievement was acclaimed by creating an exclusive gold-wrapped Qashqai, honouring the 7,000 employees that have been part of the model’s success.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai has been designed in Paddington, engineered in Cranfield and built in the Sunderland Nissan plant. The result is a blend of hatchback and SUV, creating a dynamic crossover.

The first Qashqai model was launched in 2007, and despite sceptic attitudes, the crossover has maintained its popularity each year, appearing regularly in best-seller lists, finally resulting in reaching the first position in 2022.

It also represents 1 in 5 of all cars built in the UK since its introduction. The Sunderland Nissan plant has built almost 3.8 million Qashqai vehicles since 2007.

This latest generation Qashqai model includes Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology. It delivers an electric driving experience without the need for charging.

Nissan Qashqai is the first model in Europe with this unique technology. The model is an excellent option for those eager to reduce their emissions yet are not ready to own a fully electric vehicle.

The Vice President of Design Mat Weaver, at Nissan’s design centre, said:

“With its compact footprint and higher driving position, the first generation Qashqai broke the mould for how a mass-market vehicle should look and feel – it was a revolutionary ‘crossover’ design.”

“It’s difficult to believe now that some industry observers were sceptical about Qashqai’s chances of success when it first arrived back in 2007. Yet, in 2023, crossovers are now the dominant car design trend with almost all manufacturers now featuring them in their line-up.”

“It all started with our ground-breaking Qashqai - a British success story that’s assured of a place in the automotive history books.’’

Nissan’s future is electric

The global manufacturer has published its electric objectives for the future by announcing the EV36Zero plan.

The plan includes creating a sustainable £1bn EV manufacturing centre in the North-East of England to produce electric vehicles and batteries while supporting local jobs. The project represents 6,200 jobs at Nissan and its UK suppliers.

Nissan’s electric plan aids its goal for carbon neutrality by 2050 and means that 75% of its product range will be electrified by 2023. The programme also supports the UK government’s plan of selling only new cars and vans that are free from emissions by 2040 or earlier.

Get your own best-selling Nissan Qashqai from Bristol Street Motors. Prices start from £26,993.

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