British-Built Nissan Qashqai Wins What Car? Used Car of the Year Award 2011

AUTO CENTRAL – October 20, 2011: Two British-built cars have picked up awards at the What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards 2011. Built in Sunderland, the Nissan Qashqai was voted the overall used car of the year and best used small family car. The Jaguar XF, which is built in Birmingham, picked up the award for best used executive and luxury car.

Chas Hallett, What Car?’s editor-in-chief, said: “All the teams involved in the production of both the Nissan Qashqai and the Jaguar XF should be really proud of their achievements. The quality of these cars was great when they were new, and three years later they make unbeatable-value used buys.”

Judges praised the Nissan Qashqai’s styling, price and family-friendly cabin, while its maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and comfortable ride also impressed. Add low running costs and reassuring dependability, and it was a worthy winner.

The Jaguar XF was commended for being a seriously desirable and sophisticated car that has managed to fight off fierce competition from its German rivals.

“The Jaguar XF’s combination of sharp, contemporary styling, build quality, refinement, sporting agility and equipment is a winning formula, especially in the secondhand market where a highly specified model can now be bought for less than £20,000,” said Hallett.

Ford scored a hat trick of awards. Last year’s overall winner, the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr, was voted best used family car, the Ford Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr the best used supermini, and the Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec the best used MPV.

“Ford deserve a special mention because it is producing well-designed, well-built cars in many categories. Used Fords are going to be extremely popular with used buyers,” said Hallett.

Volkswagen won two awards – the Golf 1.6 TDI SE 5dr was voted the best used green car and the Passat Estate 1.9 TDI SE the best used estate.

The Porsche Boxster 2.7 won the used sports car category and the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRTD CDX 7st the SUV category.

The seven-strong What Car? Used Car of the Year judging panel were from all areas of the motor industry, including car dealerships, British Car Auctions, Warranty Direct, Lex Autolease and experts from What Car?. As well as selecting the overall Used Car of the Year, the judges picked winners and runners-up in nine categories, looking at running costs, reliability, driveability, quality, longevity, safety features and desirability.