NISSAN'S Qashqai might have taken a few people by surprise when it was first unveiled but it has gone on to be a soaraway success.
The company has now sold more that 250,000 and the idea of an SUV that isn't really an SUV, though breathtaking in its simplicity, would seem to be a winner.
Let's face it, most people buy SUVs because they like the look of them rather than because they want to go exploring Green Lanes.
Whether it's the rugged styling, road presence or elevated driving position, there's a huge appetite for cars that look like they should spend more time off-road than on it.
But as everyone knows the odd kerb or two is about as far as many SUVs get at the best of times.
Even though the Qashqai hasn't been around all that long the range has been given a fresh look with the addition of the n-tec which sits between the Acenta and Tekna trim levels.
Its main selling point is Nissan Connect - an all-new integrated audio, navigation and communication package. It offers full connectivity with external audio players and a sassy and easy to use satellite navigation system.
Ordinarily one would expect to pay handsomely for some of this kit and the Connect system is an impressive addition.
You get a CD with MP3/WMA playback, FM/AM radio, aux-in socket, USB port for full iPod connection, Bluetooth connectivity. There's also five-inch touchscreen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map and a postcode search facility.
Another high-tech gizmo is the colour reversing camera and, though the Qashqai isn't the biggest of vehicles, given its height I found it a pretty useful accessory.
Other features add much to what is already a very stylish looking car in the shape of some impressive 18in alloy wheels and a panoramic roof.
One of the key things about it is that as well as appealing to compact SUV buyers the Qashqai is also aimed at the sort of people who might normally buy a Focus, Astra or Golf.
While it has far more presence than your average family hatchback it can't quite match them when it comes to driving manners, though it should be pointed out that for a compact SUV it is incredibly stable and more agile than most.
For motoring around town the 1.6-litre petrol engine is impressively punchy though it runs out of puff a little when pushed hard.
It feels well put together too, with a well laid out dash and plenty of soft-touch plastics.
One of its drawbacks is that it isn't quite as big on the inside as first impressions might suggest. The rear bench is on the narrow side and the boot isn't the largest, though it compares well for practicality to a hatch and has a bit of an edge over most when it comes to being family-friendly.
Should you really want a Qashqai that is capable of going off-road you can actually buy one if you opt for one of the models higher up the range.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Qashqai n-tec 1.6
Price: £17,650
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 12 seconds
Combined mpg: 42.2
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles