Triple trophies for Nissan at the 2023 ‘4x4 of the Year’ Awards
Nissan has taken three prestigious titles at 2023 4x4 of the Year awards, including Overall Winner and Best Medium SUV for the all-new Nissan X-Trail, and Best Crossover for Qashqai.
The awards come just weeks after the UK launch of X-Trail and also celebrate two unique Nissan technologies – e-POWER and e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive – which are available on both X-Trail and Qashqai models.
Alan Kidd, Editor of 4X4 Magazine commented: "You can get blasé about new vehicles when you're bombarded with them week in, week out. But the upside of that is that when something really knocks our socks off, we know it must be special. And that's exactly what the new X-Trail has done.
"It's capable, classy, entertaining, and, with its seven-seat layout, hugely practical. Whether you want it for work or play, it's right there, right on the money. A good SUV is meant to be good at everything: the new X-Trail is great at everything, and it's a great SUV.
"We love that Nissan hasn't abandoned off-roading, too. For all the X-Trail's slick looks, classy cabin, and high-tech electrified powertrain, it's still capable of finding grip on rough ground and low-traction surfaces.”
Judges at the 4x4 of the Year awards, sponsored by BFGoodrich, also gave the coveted ‘Best Crossover’ title to the Nissan Qashqai.
"The Qashqai was new last year, and it went straight to the top of its class,” added Alan. “It does have some strong rivals – not least another Nissan, the Juke – but in the last 12 months, its position has actually become stronger. The e-Power drivetrain has added something really worthwhile to what was already one of the definitive family vehicles of its time."
Matt Duncan, Passenger Car Marketing Manager at Nissan GB, said: “It is such an honour for X-Trail to be awarded 4X4 of the Year, as well as Best Medium SUV, and for Qashqai to be named Best Crossover.
“These are incredibly competitive segments and it’s exciting to see e-4ORCE and e-POWER technologies making such a positive impression on the industry.”
X-Trail, the electrified family adventure crossover, is not only eye-catching and rugged, but it is spacious, comfortable, and has plenty of technology on board to ensure an effortless and confident drive. It even has a seven-seat option, meaning there is plenty of room for everyone.
X-Trail plays host to e-4ORCE, Nissan’s unique all-wheel drive technology. The system comprises two e-motors delivering reassuring traction and strong acceleration in all conditions. e-4ORCE’s rear torque response is 10,000 times faster than a mechanical 4WD system ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Engineers have carefully tuned e-4ORCE to optimise handling and stability across many driving scenarios, with the system managing power output and braking to each wheel individually. e-4ORCE enhances driver confidence by tracing the intended driving line over almost any road surface, while never needing to change the driving style or input. It’s this exciting technology that has driven X-Trail into 4X4 Magazine’s top spot!
Both X-Trail and Qashqai are also available with Nissan’s new electrified powertrain, e-POWER. This unique technology drives the wheels entirely with an electric motor, which in turn is powered by a petrol engine, offering the EV-drive feeling without the need to recharge.
Qashqai, the original crossover and family favourite, offers a safe and smooth driving experience with plenty of technology and premium trims. From the Around View Monitor, ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link, and Adaptive Driving Beam Technology to massage seats, Bose sound system, and rear USB ports, Qashqai is designed to ensure everyone travels comfortably.
