'The best ride' is a mix of comfort (from seats), 'give' in the suspension (to absorb bumps), firmness in the suspension (to aid in cornering stability, and so it doesn't feel like a barge), along with the steering feel, and a myriad of other factors.

And as such, what is good for one person might be terrible for another. So the only real way of telling is to get both for a proper test drive.

I agree. I think you'll find when you test drive them that the Nissan has comfier seats and a softer ride, but the Mazda is firmer and more fun to drive.

The Mazda CX-5 is a closer rival to the Qashqai.

I test drove both the Mazda 6 (2012) and Qashqai 1.6 N-tec (2012). Both petrol / manual.

I found the Mazda suspension was a bit stiff on speed bumps, but on the Qashqai, I could feel every minor crack on the road (which I would never have felt in my car). The Qashqai gear change was slick, compared to the Mazda 6.

I might be swaved by the Mazda 6 (2012), as it had a really good sound system, but you need to check if they have carried this to the new Mazda 6. On the new Qashqai the sound is 'okay'.

I can't comment on the new generation of both cars, as I did not test drive them, but have sat in them in various car dealerships...

Both cars are reasonably good.