If the Qashqais are so mediocre, why do so many people buy them?

The Nissan Qashqai has been roundly criticised, and has received lukewarm reviews, but it's still one of the best selling cars in many markets. This seeming contradiction between popularity and reputation has fueled debates about consumer preferences, marketing effectiveness and the difference between what the average car buyer and the enthusiast want. Aggressive pricing and marketing are blamed by some for the Qashqai's success, while others argue that it really does better meet the needs of many families than other alternatives. However, there is a disconnect between sales figures and critical opinion, and that begs questions about what most car buyers really care about and whether the automotive media's perspective matches up with those of mainstream consumers.