YOU have to hand it to Nissan, the Japanese car maker has made no compromises with its newest offering, the oddly-named Qashqai.
This replacement for both the family-size Primera and smaller Almera range is nothing like either of those models.
It's more practical, more interesting, better designed, has stronger safety features, is good value for money and has already scooped a 'Best Family Car Buy' commendation.
Named after a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe in south western Iran, the Qashqai (pronounced Cash Kai) is British designed and built at Nissan's plant in Sunderland.
Dubbed by Nissan as a 'crossover' vehicle - in other words it combines the comfort and agility of a hatchback with the practicality and vigour of a lifestyle off-roader - the Qashqai certainly stands out from the crowd.
Its shape conveys the impression of a 4x4, and while you can buy a 4WD version it isn't really meant for serious off-roading and the majority of models are two-wheel-drive.
There is a choice of two petrol engines - a 1.6-litre unit with five-speed manual gearbox and two-litre with six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission - plus 1.5 and two-litre diesels. Both two-litre models offer a choice of two or four-wheel-drive.
Qashqai is a car families are going to love. It's easy to drive with good road holding and plenty of space inside for five - even the front seat backs are scooped out to boost legroom.
The 2.0 manual produces 140PS and while the 'enthusiastic' motorist may not be its priority audience there's smooth acceleration and plenty of low down grunt on tap.
On the negative side it's a noticeably light car, something you really feel in high winds, and the fascia area is a pretty featureless swathe of black plastic.
Useful storage spaces include a cooled glovebox which Nissan boasts will stow 15 cans of drink, a sliding draw under the passenger seat, a central storage box and a sunglasses holder.
Lift the tailgate and you are greeted with a vast luggage area capable of coping with holiday suitcases, kids' clobber and the weekly shopping - all at the same time.
As if to perpetuate the quirky theme, the car's three trim levels are named Visia, Acenta and Tekna, though these badges don't actually appear on the cars.
All are extensively equipped, every model featuring front, side and curtain airbags, electric windows, 60/40 folding rear bench, air-con, drive computer, CD sound system, alloy wheels and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
A panoramic glass roof costs an extra £700, but is worth it.
And the Qashqai is officially the safest car to be in if you have a bump, having registered the highest score - 36.83 out of a possible 37 points - of any vehicle tested by Europe's leading crash test facility, giving it the maximum five-star rating for adult occupant protection.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta
Price: £16,399
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Combined mpg: 34.4
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 199g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust