14th January 2024
In the 2024 Company Car & Van Awards, the Nissan Qashqai was voted SUV of the Year while Townstar EV was crowned Small Electric Van of the Year.
Both vehicles are multi-award-winners, having picked up a number of other accolades in recent months.
For instance, Qashqai, a former Sun newspaper Car of the Year, was Highly Commended in December’s Carwow Awards, while Townstar was named Compact High Cube Van of the Year at the 2023 Great British Fleet Awards.
Hard to beat
In awarding Nissan its two Company Car & Van trophies, Andrew Walker, editor of the title which publishes comprehensive company car and commercial vehicle reviews, said Qashqai and Townstar, whilst being very different offerings, both held huge appeal for UK drivers.
Andrew commented: ‘‘If you want a practical five-door SUV, the Qashqai e-POWER is hard to beat, with a large boot and clever practicality putting it ahead of its rivals.
‘‘In effect, the latest Qashqai carries on where its predecessors began, by being a good-looking SUV, with on-trend tech, excellent safety and the clincher, the e-POWER drivetrain, which makes it our SUV Car of the Year for 2024.’’
Turning to Nissan’s Townstar EV, Andrew said the vehicle was a signficant and welcome addition to Nissan’s van range.
He added: ‘‘It offers some clever storage solutions in the cabin, plenty of safety features and has a top-quality cabin as well.
‘‘Furthermore, it offers a quiet, relaxed driving experience, coupled to swift acceleration that’s perfect for the urban jungle. Alongside other small electric vans, its 186-mile range is great, which is why it’s our Small Electric Van of 2024.’’
Many qualities
A Nissan spokesperson said: ‘‘What a way to start 2024! Naturally, we are delighted with this recognition for two of the key vehicles in our line-up. At Nissan, we are of course aware of their many qualities and attributes but it’s always satisfying when recognition comes from outside the company.
‘‘Last year, ARIYA was a winner at the Company Car & Van Awards and it’s great that Townstar EV and Qashqai have followed in its footsteps.
‘‘We thank the editor, Andrew Walker, for his kind words about both vehicles, and for helping us get the New Year off to a successful start.’’