New Car Buyer’s Guide: Nissan

Ollie Barstow
Ollie BarstowAutomotive Correspondent
Nissan Range
Nissan Range

From the genre-defining Qashqai to the trend-setting Juke to the revolutionary electric LEAF, Nissan has firmly established as one of the motoring industry’s foremost innovators.

Indeed, Nissan has long been considered a byword for practical, reliable and family-friendly cars with a back catalogue that includes household nameplates as the Nissan Micra and Nissan X-Trail.

In recent years, however, it has taken the lead on breaking fresh ground with models like the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke, which are considered the cars that kick started the respective family-SUV and small-SUV segments that dominate today’s sales charts.

Today the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail form the foundation of Nissan’s range, alongside its new generation of electric vehicles: the revived Micra, the high-tech LEAF and the premium Ariya.

Check out the Nissan range at Vertu to find out how you can drive innovation in 2026…

Why Choose a New Nissan?

- Ground-breaking Design – The automotive market wouldn’t be what it is today if Nissan hadn’t set the trend for SUVs with models like the Qashqai and Juke

- Renowned Reliability – Nissan has carved a reputation stretching decades for developing dependable and reliable models that will go the distance

- Electric & Hybrid – The arrival of the new Micra and LEAF strengthens Nissan’s electric vehicle range alongside its frugal petrol-hybrid offerings

- Family-friendly Versatility – Nissan has a proven track record for developing family-friendly models that are practical, spacious, comfortable and safe

- Built in Britain – Nissan has invested significantly in the north-east of England with its vast Sunderland factory, which builds the Qashqai, Juke and now the LEAF

Popular Nissan Models in the UK

1- Micra.jpg

Nissan Micra

The model itself might be new-for-2026, but the reboot of the Nissan Micra marks the high-profile return for one of the manufacturer’s best-known and most successful nameplates.

Significantly, however, the new Nissan Micra has been revived as a compact electric hatchback that blends a cost-efficient zero emissions battery powertrain (40kWh or 52kWh) with reams of high-tech kit and a smart-connected interior to match.

That’s not to say the new Micra has abandoned the signature traits that made its predecessors so successful, namely its distinctively bulbous styling, airy cabin, nippy dynamics and – staring at less than £23,000 – affordable prices.

2 - Juke.jpg

Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke all-but-invented the small-SUV class with the first-generation model, but while countless rivals have since attempted to cash-in on the new trend, the OG remains one of the UK’s most popular models.

Key to the Juke’s appeal from day one has been its head-turning styling and while the current iteration is certainly sharper than the model it replaced, it’s still unmistakably a Nissan.

The fun, youthful approach can also be felt inside where design flair meets quality materials, while the driving experience – complemented by the tall driving position and excellent visibility – is agile and sporty.

Despite its compact, city-slicking dimensions, the Juke is still spacious for five adults, while packing a 422-litre boot.

3 - LEAF.jpg

Nissan LEAF

One of the world’s first series produced battery electric vehicles, not only did the first-gen Nissan LEAF blaze a trail for EV technology, it succeeded in convincing more buyers than ever to make the switch to zero-emissions BEVs.

Now, after a brief hiatus, the nameplate making a much-anticipated return having been remixed into a trendier and more practical subcompact crossover.

A true demonstration of just how far the technology has come over the past 15 years, the latest LEAF is a triumph of modern engineering. Even the base 52kWh battery – described as Standard Range – is capable of travelling 270-miles, while the flagship 75kWh Long Range model will drive all the way to 375-miles.

With the stylish new look also having the effect of being aerodynamically efficient, the LEAF offers a refined driving experience, while the quality, contemporary interior combines easy-to-use digital displays with physical controls.

Beyond this, the LEAF is practical too with its 437-litre boot, while there are myriad touches that show attention to detail, including 3D-effect rear taillights, a full-length sunroof, a practical flat floor and built-in Google functionality.

4 - Qashqai.jpg

Nissan Qashqai

The car industry owes a lot to the Nissan Qashqai, a car that reinvented the conventional small family car into a higher-riding, SUV-inspired model that had safety and practicality at its core when the first generation was launched in 2007.

Twenty years later and higher-riding, SUV-inspired models with safety and practicality at their core are the dominant players in the automotive market, but the UK-built Qashqai – now in its third generation – remains ahead of the game.

The latest model has never been more accomplished with its sharp looks, high-quality interior and lashings of useful tech, while the cabin is spacious and the boot offers up 504-litres of room.

Better yet, the Qashqai can be had with Nissan’s e-Power Hybrid technology which offers punchy performance while returning more than 60mpg in fuel economy.

6 - Ariya.jpg

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya takes the cost-efficient, zero emissions EV formula and blends it with a stylish, sophisticated and spacious SUV package.

Pitched at the premium electric SUV buyers, the Ariya looks the part with its sleek profile juxtaposed by sharp features on the outside, while the well-appointed interior is both contemporary and abundant with quality materials.

Under the skin, the Ariya gets the choice of either a 63kWh or 87kWh battery, the latter of which offers up to 319-miles of range, while there is even a hot Nismo version generating 429bhp and delivering breath-taking performance.

5 - X-Trail.jpg

Nissan X-Trail

Yet another Nissan that helped to set the tone for the future, the original Nissan X-Trail can claim to be one of the first lifestyle off-roaders that was less about grinding through the mud and more about providing practical, safe car-like manners for families.

Since then, the X-Trail has grown in both size and maturity to sit atop Nissan’s diverse line-up as a premium SUV that majors on being comfortable, spacious with a 585-litre boot and boasting a lengthy list of equipment.

Available with mild-hybrid or full e-Power hybrid powertrains, the latter delivers 210bhp but still returns over 45mpg, while the X-Trail can be had with either five-seats or seven-seats.

Recent Awards and Recognition

Nissan LEAF – Car of the Year 2025 (The Motor Awards), Car to Watch 2026 (Company Car & Van), World’s Best Compact Car (Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year),

Nissan Qashqai – Hybrid Car of the Year 2025 (The Motor Awards), Best British Electrified Car (Eco Car Top 50), Car of the Year 2024 (Cinch), Used Car of the Year 2024 (Car Dealer Magazine), Highly Commended (Carwow).

Nissan Juke – Used Car Awards 2023 (Car Dealer)

Nissan Ariya – Towcar of the Year 2026 (Caravan & Motorhome Club), Best Car for Long Distances 2024 (AutoTrader)

Nissan X-Trail – Highly Commended 2023 (Carwow)

New Nissan Cars at Vertu

With hundreds of new Nissan cars in stock across our nationwide network of Nissan dealerships, your next Nissan is at Vertu.

We can support with Nissan service plans and Nissan servicing & MOTs, so you and your Nissan can keep driving for many miles to come.

Pop into your local Vertu Nissan dealership and explore our selection of high-quality cars, chat to our friendly staff, or take a test drive.