When Nissan launched its Qashqai sports utility in 2007, few reckoned on it being a massive success and a significant car. Essentially a big family hatchback, the Qashqai had the high seating position and stance of a compact 4x4 but without the off-road abilities. It also replaced the moribund Primera, a fading Ford Mondeo rival.
Back then the Qashqai was a car with a funny name and few obvious rivals, but its makers saw a gap in the market and created a model which was soon a British best seller and it has remained in the top 10 virtually ever since.
