DESIGNED to compete with the likes of the Ford Focus, VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra, the Nissan Qashqai successfully masquerades as quite a handsome and adventurous five-door crossover vehicle which offers up trim names such as Visia, Acenta and Tekna.
All are generously kitted out, each model coming with air con, electric windows al round, powered and heated door mirrors.
I have just tried a front wheel drive Special Edition model dubbed Sound & Style which comes with the latest electronic stability program and ABS with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution driver safety aids.
In addition, as the name suggests, some of the most sensational sounds around can be enjoyed via a Bose seven-speaker and six CD audio system which has been acoustically tailored to the interior of the Qashqai.
Taller than your average hatchback but no longer, the Qashqai looks the business on the tarmac, the combination of big chunky wheel arches, an impressive shoulder line rising from the rear and ample ground clearance plus more than hint of Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and compact MPV make this something of a breath of fresh air in the family hatchback sector.
In addition, the Qashqai can even shape up as a pukka SUV when equipped with the optional 4x4 facility and powered by the 2.0-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel engines, while the lesser 1.5 diesel and 1.6 petrol engined models remain very much in the front-wheel-drive mould.
Build quality is good in a well put together cabin where soft-to-the-touch materials abound and the Sound & Style model shows off its superbly indulgent half-leather trim.
Fit and finish is superb and, with switchgear which comes with nicely weighted action, there is plenty of room for four adults - five at a pinch - while serviceable plastics and fabrics help to enhance Qashqai's family style aspirations.
In comfortably supportive, high set seating there is plenty of head and legroom in all parts. Cubby holes are available including a 14-litre air conditioned glovebox, a handy place for your sunglasses and a sliding 'secret' drawer beneath the front passenger seat.
A user friendly boot door opens up a family style 410-litres of luggage space which extends to 660-litres with the rear seats folded while front, side and curtain airbags are on hand to help keep you safe in the event of an accident.
However, although the high driving position - facing a neatly laid out dashboard and easily navigable centre console - delivers some fine views of the road ahead, some drivers may prefer to invest £350 in Nissan's Rear Park system to help counter the effects when reversing of some quite wide rear pillars.
Paired with a smooth-slotting six-speed manual gearbox, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel uses its 148bhp to good effect. Effortlessly achieving the 0-62mph mark in under 11 seconds, the Renault sourced engine proves a good performer and there is the promise of more than 50mpg.
Apart from a little diesel rattle, noises are well contained on the cruise.
Despite its lofty position, body roll proves surprisingly well contained. Plenty of grip and nicely weighted power steering help the Nissan Qashqai deliver a composed ride through town and country while handling is decidedly secure when tackling twisting and pot-holed roads.
Overall, Nissan has managed to give the small family car sector's 'boring' label the slip, the Qashqai proving interestingly different without compromising the comfort levels generally accepted as the norm by all drivers while build quality looks and feels a cut above many rivals in the mass manufacturing set.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Qashqai Sound & Style 2.0 dCi 2WD
Price: £20,120
Mechanical: 148bhp, 1,994cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 8
CO2 Emissions: 174g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw