Two cars, one winner: The unmissable car group tests of 2025
The Nissan Qashqai required little introduction. It’s the car that many consider to have invented the mid-size SUV segment back in the late noughties. Now in its third generation it still sits at or near the top of the sales charts each month. To keep it competitive, Nissan has granted it another round of upgrades – specifically focused on its hybrid powertrain.
We found its e-Power system to be seriously impressive, with the range-extender drivetrain making it feel like an EV that never needs to be charged. It was refined, powerful and efficient, and showed the progress that Nissan has made with its hybrid technology.
It impressed inside the cabin, too, with a Google-integrated infotainment system showing up both rivals in terms of user-friendliness and its embedded features.
The Volkswagen Tiguan appealed on a different level, with a spacious interior and impressive residuals. However its mild-hybrid powertrain was the least impressive of our group, and felt closest to a standard combustion-powered car when it came to performance and efficiency. The Kia represented a solid middle ground, offering good performance and space, a new look and an updated interior, but lacking slightly when it came to efficiency and tech.
It was the Qashqai that prevailed, despite its relatively high price and limited boot space. That’s not to say that the VW and Kia weren’t worthy competitors, it’s just that, right now, Nissan’s Qashqai is the car to beat in this segment.
Merc CLA lands knockout blow on Model 3 champThe Tesla Model 3 has set the electric car benchmark ever since it arrived in the UK back in 2019; it was, quite simply, the car all-comers had to beat. And it’s testament to the Tesla that, over the past six years, very little has come close to taking its crown.
But in November, the new Mercedes CLA threw the cat among the pigeons and beat the American EV at its own game. We praised the CLA for its long range and strong efficiency, plus its tech-filled cabin that felt much better screwed together than many modern Mercs.
Plenty of cars have battled it out, but which one would you like to drive? Tell us in the comments…
