The History of the Nissan Qashqai
Table of Contents
1. When and where was the Nissan Qashqai created?
3. What makes the Nissan Qashqai a good taxi?
First released in 2006, the Nissan Qashqai set a new precedent for compact SUV cars. Almost two decades later, it continues to go from strength to strength, with the addition of new technology and hybrid powertrains.
We’re taking a look at the Nissan Qashqai’s history and what makes it such a great taxi choice.
When and where was the Nissan Qashqai created?
The Nissan Qashqai taxi was first introduced in 2006 and built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the North East of England.
To this day, the Nissan Qashqai continues to be produced at the same plant. The model accounts for one in five of all British cars manufactured since its release.
Nissan Qashqai timeline
First generation Nissan Qashqai: 2007 – 2014
The first-generation Nissan Qashqai taxi was a new introduction to the compact crossover segment.
A joint effort between countries, the exterior was designed at Nissan’s Global Design Centre in Japan. While Nissan’s US design team took charge of the interior.
Nissan had only one brief for the Qashqai – to make an SUV that was more compact, affordable, and agile.
In 2006, Nissan unveiled the Qashqai at the Paris Motor Show. It featured all the elements of a traditional SUV - a high-riding driving position with large wheels but with a compact exterior.
Going on sale in February 2007, 100,000 Nissan Qashqai taxis were sold in the first year of sales. With 18,000 in the UK alone.
In 2010, Nissan gave the Qashqai a small upgrade with new front and rear lights, along with improved fuel economy.
Second generation Nissan Qashqai: 2014 – 2020
Seven years after going on sale, Nissan introduced the second-generation Qashqai. After proving hugely popular with drivers, Nissan stuck with what they knew worked.
The exterior remained largely the same, with a few key safety and technology upgrades. Further engine options and transmissions also became available.
Facelifts were introduced in 2017 and 2018, with the top-of-the-range Tekna+ trim introduced in 2017.
In 2018, Nissan also introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of their NissanConnect system.
Third generation Nissan Qashqai: 2020 – present
The Nissan Qashqai taxi continued to face competition from other models in the compact SUV segment, but that didn’t faze Nissan.
In 2021, the third-generation Qashqai was introduced offering drivers the choice of a petrol mild hybrid engine. The larger exterior was also given design upgrades with daytime LED running lights.
Meanwhile, in 2022, Nissan further expanded the Qashqai line-up with the introduction of the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER. Nissan’s e-POWER technology combines a petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery to lower running emissions.
What makes the Nissan Qashqai a good taxi?
If you are looking for a compact, yet spacious taxi, look no further than the Nissan Qashqai.
Four Nissan Qashqai trim levels are available – Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna, and Tekna+. Each one is packed with the latest driver, safety, and connectivity features to make every journey run smoothly. The Nissan Qashqai engine size is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine as standard.
The flexible boot space offers up to 1,593 litres of space with the rear seats folded down. An optional motion-activated tailgate lets you access the boot even when your hands are full. You can also customise the space with shelves and dividers offering 16 different configurations.
Some of the Nissan Qashqai features include:
- Class-leading interior space
- Rear doors open to 85 degrees for ease of access
- Advanced safety features
- 360-degree parking camera
- 12.3” HD display with NissanConnect
Nisan Qashqai taxi specs
| Length (mm) | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Boot capacity (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,425 | 1,625 | 1,835 | Up to 1,593 (with rear seats folded down |
Nissan Qashqai award wins
Since its release in 2006, the Nissan Qashqai has racked up an impressive number of awards. In 2022, it was crowned the UK’s best-selling car with 42,704 Nissan Qashqai’s picked up from the forecourts.1
1 Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).
- Most Reliable Car of the Year 2023 - Which?
- What Car? Safety Award – What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2022
- The Sun Car of the Year – Motor Awards 2021
- Small/SUV Crossover of the Year – Motor Awards 2021
- Best Car for City Drivers – AutoTrader New Car Awards 2020
Nissan Qashqai deals at The Taxi Centre
At The Taxi Centre, we stock a wide range of Nissan Qashqai taxis.
With the help of our expert team, find the right Nissan Qashqai – at the right price. We can also introduce you to our taxi finance options including Hire Purchase. With Hire Purchase, you have the flexibility to choose your deposit amount and term length.
We also offer exclusive discounts through our official partners that you won’t find anywhere else.
Contact us today and discover your ideal Nissan Qashqai taxi.