LOOKING FOR A crossover but need additional space? Then this 2011 Nissan Qashqai+2 for €15,975 could be the car for you as it has room for six passengers thanks to the third row of seats.
The Qashqai kicked off the crossover craze in Ireland and is still one of the most desirable cars in its class. Even though it is a crossover it has many car-like driving features including frugal engines and cheap running costs.
It is surefooted and doesn’t have as much body roll as many other cars its size.
This particular car is powered by the 1.5-litre diesel engine, which has 106hp, 240Nm of torque and emissions of 139g/km – meaning it is just €270 to tax and on average you should be able to get 5.7 litres/100km (49.6mpg).
The Qashqai has a nice high driving position, which gives great visibility all round. One of the benefits of owning a Qashqai when you have kids is that it is easier to get them in and out of the car and child seats due to the height of the car and large door apertures.
It is quite a comfortable ride too, but legroom is limited for passengers and it is difficult to get in and out of the two seats that make up the third row.
Hyundai i40 Tourer
If you are looking for extra room but don’t need the extra seats, then this 2016 Hyundai i40 in estate guise is a sharp alternative to the Qashqai+2. Being a wagon it has buckets of space and more legroom for passengers than the Qashqai+2.
As the Executive model it is packed full of features – although this does come at a premium as it is €11k more expensive than the Qashqai+2 with a price tag of €26,950.
However, the Hyundai is a new car, 2016 compared to 2011 for the Qashqai, and it has far less on the clock: just 16,680km.
This car is cheaper to tax at €200 a year and it has a claimed fuel economy figure of an impressive 4.3 litres/100km (66mpg).
It gives a very comfortable and quiet ride and is perfect for long motorway journeys.
So if you are looking for a well-loved Irish favourite and need seven seats, then the Qashqai+2 could be the car for you. However, if you don’t need the extra seats but do want the extra space – and don’t mind forking out the cash for a very well specced car – then the Hyundai i40 Tourer may be the car for you.
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