The Nissan Qashqai has become so successful it is now the benchmark for the segment it helped create. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in which case the segment-defining Nissan Qashqai now has no shortage of admirers and impersonators.
The team here at MicksGarage.com present to you the top 5 Nissan Qashqai alternatives on the market today:
Plus: Great styling, good layout inside Minus: Not the most engaging to drive
- Pricing: from €25,245 to €37,995
- Popular engines: 1.6 petrol, 1.7 and 2.0 diesel
- Power output: 115- to 136hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.1- to 6.3 litres/100km
- Road tax: Band A4 to D (€200 to €570)
- Safety: five-star EuroNCAP rating with 85 per cent for child occupant protection
The Tucson name returns to the Hyundai line-up replacing the ix35. Now with an all-new design it certainly looks the part, taking after the larger Santa Fe. Its styling is more subtle than the Qashqai's and even in lower trim levels remains a smart looking car. Rear passenger space is more generous than in the car it replaces and the boot, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, is pretty capacious too. Up front there’s a good driving position but still some hard plastics to be found. Performance from the116hp 1.7-litre diesel is plenty for urban commutes and school runs, though if you want all-wheel drive you will need to get the 136hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine. Either way it is one of the more refined models in the segment, with some competitive pricing.
Plus: Good looking, one of the best to drive Minus: Larger engine isn’t as economical as others, expensive to buy
- Pricing: from €27,995 to €40,295
- Popular engines: 2.0 petrol, 2.2 diesel
- Power output: 150- to 175hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.6- to 6.0 litres/100km
- Road tax: Band A4 to B2 (€200 to €280)
- Safety: five-star EuroNCAP rating with 87 per cent for child occupant protection
The Mazda CX-5 does carry a price premium over the entry-level Qashqai, but both inside and out you do get a sense of added value and quality. The doors shut with a more reassuring thud and thanks to a very subtle facelift in 2015 it remains a very handsome crossover. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine may put some people off but its emissions are only slightly higher than smaller engined rivals, meaning a difference of just €20 annually in tax. Fuel consumption is higher too, but again not by much, and the extra power on tap is worth it. Inside you do get a greater sense of quality and all models get a seven-inch colour touchscreen as standard, while space in the back does feel marginally better. What's most impressive is how it drives, sporty yet quiet inside, its manual transmission is sweet to use too.
Plus: Space inside, refinement on the move Minus: Not much fun to drive
- Pricing: from €29,950 to €43,800
- Popular engines: 2.0 diesel
- Power output: 143hp
- Fuel consumption: 3.9- to 4.7 litres/100km
- Road tax: Band B1 (€270)
- Safety: five-star EuroNCAP rating with 89 per cent for adult occupant protection
When it was first launched in the mid-nineties the RAV4 was a fun, quirky crossover. Today it is a more serious car with refined looks that match the driving experience. More practically it is also now a five-door and the raised ride height even affords it some light off-road ability should the mood take you, but you will only be able to spec all-wheel drive on the higher grade hybrid models, which arrive in 2016. Engine offerings are larger in capacity than the Qashqai, consisting of a 2.0-litre diesel or 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, although the latter is quite expensive. Performance from either is good but the smaller capacity diesel offerings from some rivals are almost as impressive. On road there’s no lack of stability and surefootedness from the Toyota. Although the quality inside is good, moving up the equipment levels does get pricey.
Plus: SUV styling, real off-road ability Minus: High price and limited luggage space
- Pricing: from €32,125 to €41,430
- Popular engines: 2.0 diesel
- Power output: 120- to 150hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.6- to 5.4 litres/100km
- Road tax: Band A4 to B2 (€200 to €280)
- Safety: five-star NCAP rating including 94 per cent for adult occupant protection
Ford hasn’t quite matched Nissan in the crossover success stakes, though the current Kuga does tick a lot of the right boxes for the majority of buyers. From the outside the model hasn’t changed a great deal over the years but its update in 2013 made the interior a lot better. Boot space also grew. Go for a Titanium grade and you’ll get Ford’s eight-inch SYNC touchscreen infotainment system. Buyers can also get mod cons such as an electric tailgate, keyless entry and leather upholstery. On the road it performs well too, with suspension that does a very good job of soaking up the bumps without compromising on handling. It can be specified in either front- or all-wheel drive although the former is capable enough in the majority of driving conditions. The only area where the Kuga is lacking is in price, as Ford doesn’t have a more basic entry-level version.
Plus: Attractive styling, competitive cost of ownership Minus: Lack of engines to choose from
- Pricing: from €27,549 to €33,695
- Popular engines: 1.7 diesel
- Power output: 115hp
- Fuel consumption: to be confirmed
- Road tax: Band A4 (€200)
- Safety: the new model has not yet been tested.
The Kia Sportage has been a hugely successful model thanks to its combination of good looks, neutral driving dynamics and of course that famous seven-year Kia warranty. At the core of the Sportage is its 1.7-litre diesel engine, which is designed around that sweet spot between performance, efficiency and refinement. For 2016 this has been refined slightly too. The on-road performance is every bit as good as the Qashqai's, perhaps only lacking slightly in the manual transmission when compared directly to the Nissan’s, but there is little in the overall difference. There is a new Sportage on the horizon, but styling and performance won’t change a great deal; expect some modest improvements in the areas of refinement and quality. Kia knows it’s onto a winning formula already so it isn’t tinkering with it too much. Inside there’s plenty of room for the family and the layout, although simple, is perfectly up to the job and gives little cause for complaint.
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