Another Big Win for a Local Favourite: Nissan Qashqai Crowned 'Best Family Car' at the RAC New Car Awards 2026

Here at FJ Chalke, we’ve always known that the Nissan Qashqai is something special. Now, the experts at the RAC have officially confirmed what our customers across Somerset and the South West already know: the British-built Qashqai is the ultimate choice for families.

Ahead of its 20th-anniversary celebrations later this year, the beloved crossover has proudly taken home the title of Best Family Car at the prestigious RAC New Car Awards 2026.

Tested by the Experts, Perfect for Your Family

To secure the win, the Qashqai was put through its paces by the RAC’s expert review team. They evaluated the car using a rigorous 10-point scoring system across seven key areas: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance.

The verdict? It soared past the competition. The RAC praised it as the very best option for UK families and singled it out as one of their favourite hybrid SUVs on the market today.

Dan Powell, RAC Drive Editor, put it perfectly:

"The British-built Nissan Qashqai is the most accomplished car in its class. All versions are easy to drive and spacious, while its e-POWER hybrid technology blends performance and efficiency exceptionally well. The Qashqai surges ahead of its rivals in hybrid form, raising the bar for family car refinement, comfort and quality."

The e-POWER Difference

We speak to families every day in our Yeovil and Wincanton showrooms, and we continually hear how much they love Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid system. If you haven't experienced it yet on a test drive, it truly is a game-changer. It offers the thrilling, quiet, and responsive feel of a fully electric vehicle, but without the need to ever plug it in. It delivers brilliant efficiency to help keep those family running costs down, without compromising on performance.

Proudly British-Built

As a family-owned business that has been proudly serving motorists in the South West since 1929, we at FJ Chalke love championing home-grown success. We are incredibly proud to supply a vehicle that is designed in Paddington, engineered in Cranfield, and built right up in Sunderland.

This latest accolade is an incredible 110th global award for the Qashqai. With over 4 million sold across Europe over the last two decades, it remains one of the UK’s undisputed best-sellers.

Experience the Award-Winner at FJ Chalke

Reading about the Qashqai's award-winning features is one thing, but getting behind the wheel is where you really feel the difference.

Whether you’re doing the daily school run or packing up for a weekend getaway, the Qashqai has the space, safety, and tech to make every journey a pleasure. We'd love to invite you to our Nissan showrooms in Yeovil or Wincanton to see for yourself why it's the nation's favourite family crossover.

Pop in for a coffee and a chat with our friendly team of experts, or get in touch with us today to book your test drive!