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Two Wins. One Proud Team: Nissan Sunderland Celebrates a Landmark Achievement

Date Posted: 17 October 2025

This is a proud moment for the entire Nissan family. The team at Nissan Sunderland has achieved a remarkable double win, marking another milestone for British automotive innovation.

The All-New Nissan LEAF has been named The Sun’s Car of the Year, and the Nissan Qashqai with e-POWER has secured the title of Hybrid Car of the Year for the second year running. These awards not only celebrate world-class vehicles but also recognise the dedication and skill of the people who build them.

At Startin Group, we’re excited to share this success with our customers and celebrate the innovation driving the future of motoring. If you’re ready to explore the award-winning Nissan range, visit your nearest Startin Nissan dealership today.

A True Celebration of British Engineering

Nissan Sunderland is more than just a production facility. It’s a hub of innovation, engineering excellence, and automotive craftsmanship.

  • All-New Nissan LEAF: The UK’s pioneering electric car has continued to lead the charge in sustainable mobility. Its recognition as The Sun’s Car of the Year reflects its impressive range, cutting-edge technology, and everyday practicality.
  • Nissan Qashqai with e-POWER: One of Britain’s most popular SUVs, now powered by Nissan’s advanced e-POWER technology. Its second consecutive Hybrid Car of the Year win highlights the strength of its innovation and appeal to modern drivers.

Both models are engineered at Nissan’s Technical Centre in Cranfield and built right here in Sunderland before being exported across the globe. It’s a proud moment for British manufacturing, proving that excellence starts at home. 

Why These Wins Matter

This double win goes beyond trophies. It’s a clear sign of how far the UK automotive sector has come in leading the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles.

  • Recognition from the industry: Awards from trusted automotive voices like The Sun highlight the strength of Nissan’s commitment to quality and innovation.
  • Confidence for drivers: Owning an award-winning model like the Nissan LEAF or Qashqai means investing in vehicles that are trusted and respected worldwide.
  • Sustainable future: As electric and hybrid demand grows, Nissan continues to lead the way with models designed to meet both performance and environmental goals.

These wins also reflect the dedication of the Sunderland team, whose skill and passion have turned engineering blueprints into global success stories.


The Award-Winning Nissan LEAF

The Nissan LEAF has been a driving force in the EV movement for over a decade. Its latest generation combines a strong range, responsive performance, and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Drivers choose the LEAF for its:

  • Fully electric powertrain and zero tailpipe emissions

  • Smooth and quiet driving experience

  • Intelligent driving features designed for comfort and safety

  • Practical design suited to daily commutes or longer journeys

This recognition confirms the LEAF’s position as a benchmark in the electric vehicle segment.


Qashqai with e-POWER: Innovation That Stands Out

The Qashqai has long been a UK favourite, and the addition of e-POWER technology makes it even more impressive. Unlike traditional hybrids, e-POWER allows the petrol engine to generate electricity which powers the wheels, delivering an EV-like drive without the need to plug in.

Key highlights of the Qashqai e-POWER include:

  • Smooth, instant acceleration

  • Lower fuel consumption and emissions

  • No charging required

  • Exceptional comfort and practicality for families

Winning Hybrid Car of the Year for the second consecutive year confirms its strong position in the market and the trust it’s earned from UK drivers.

Interested in the New Nissan LEAF?

Check Our LEAF Models

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Interested in the New Nissan Qashqai?

Check Our Models

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Experience Nissan Excellence with Startin Group

At Startin Group, we’re proud to represent the Nissan brand and its award-winning models. Whether you’re looking to go fully electric with the Nissan LEAF or want the smart hybrid drive of the Qashqai e-POWER, we can help you find the perfect car for your lifestyle.

Our team can guide you through the latest finance offers, model options, and test drive opportunities.

Discover why the Nissan LEAF and Qashqai e-POWER are turning heads across the UK. Visit your nearest Startin Nissan dealership today to book a test drive and experience these award-winning vehicles for yourself.

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Finance Disclosure

Startin Group Ltd and Thomas Startin Junr Ltd are Appointed Representatives of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd's permissions as a Principal Firm allows Startin Group Ltd, Thomas Startin Junr Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required

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