JUST over six months on the market and already the Qashqai has proven to be one of the best selling cars ever produced by Nissan. Since its launch in March a massive 66,000 units have been sold across Europe — way beyond the company's sales predictions for the new model.
In Ireland, a staggering 2,500 units have already been registered and demand hasn't wavered despite the traditional lull in car sales over the summer period. Sales in all markets have been so strong, Nissan have been forced to ramp up production at their Sunderland factory in the UK by twenty per cent to cope with demand. The factory is now pumping out an incredible 850 Qashqais every single day, and last week produced its 100,000th unit.
Demand is also high in Japan where the company's Kyushu plant is to be pressed into building Qashqai in order to take pressure off the Sunderland factory. The most popular Qashqai version in Ireland is the 1.6 petrol. It accounts for about 70% of sales and has a starting price of 23,995.
However, around one in every four Qashqai buyers opt for the 1.5litre diesel, which comes at 26,695 for the SE version. The 2-litre version — which is available with four-wheel drive as an option — accounts for just 6% of total Qashqai registrations, say Nissan.
Earlier this year EuroNCAP awarded Qashqai its highest ever score for adult occupant protection after it notched up near maximum points in its strict front, side and pole crash tests.
Securing a five-star rating for adult occupants, it also scooped up a four-star rating for child protection and took two stars for pedestrian safety.
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