Used Car of the Year 2011 - Small family cars

Winner Small family cars
Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Visia
Age 2007/07
Dealer price £7980
Private price £7345
The Qashqai shows that small family cars can be fun, even though it comes from an entirely different mould from rivals such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

Don’t be fooled by its SUV looks; it’s two-wheel drive, so you don’t get hit with the high running costs of a 4x4. However, it has a high driving position and great visibility, and there’s enough space inside for a family of five and their luggage.

The Qashqai is good to drive, with light, easy steering and little body roll, which is impressive given its high stance. The suspension handles bumpy roads well, keeping the car’s body under control and you isolated from the worst jolts. Wind and road noise are also minimal, so long trips are relaxing.

Our judges think the entry-level 113bhp 1.6 Visia is all you’ll need. The petrol engine is eager yet efficient and you get air-con, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and electric windows as standard. It’s also readily available on forecourts, so prices are competitive.

The Qashqai has proved dependable to date, with only a handful of recurring issues reported. A knocking noise from the rear is a shock absorber problem, which dealers can fix, while a strong burning smell while driving means the clutch needs attention.

Despite the Qashqai’s charms, one rival came within a whisker of winning. The Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec is a supremely competent car, being great to drive, spacious and cheap to run. However, it has a particulate filter, which can get clogged (and require a dealer visit) if most of your journeys are covered in town. Our judges felt that for the average buyer, the Nissan will prove the better bet.



Runners-up
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr,
’07/57, £7000
The best car if you do more than 15,000 miles a year. It averages 62.7mpg and costs £30 a year in road tax.
Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort,
’07/57, £5500
Now available in sufficient numbers, the Hyundai offers simple, no-frills transport and a five-year warranty from new.
Toyota Corolla 1.6 T3 5dr,
’05/05, £3500
Despite its bargain- basement price, this Toyota offers top-notch reliability and a decent standard specification.
Judge’s view
James Gibson, centre manager, British Car Auctions Blackbushe
‘The Qashqai is a clever same-size alternative to a small family hatch, but with SUV looks. It’s comfortable, reliable and easy to drive.’