SOMETIMES a successful product comes out of the blue.
Take the Nissan Qashqai, an oddly-named British-built vehicle with a new take on the family car market when introduced in 2007.
The styling is nothing to write home about, but the buying public seemed to like what they saw and bought in droves, making it one of Nissan's most successful launches - and it is built in Britain.
The motoring press like it too, it has scooped 15 awards in Europe since its launch.
Described by Nissan as a five-door crossover, the Qashqai, takes its name from a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe living in Iran, and is described by Stephane Schwarz, Nissan Design Director as an 'Urban Nomad'.
'It's tough and compact for the city but sleek and agile for journeys away from the town,' he says.
Well, I think I know what he means - its versatile.
It is also well equipped and priced competitively, even the range topping test model which is an eye-watering £23,800 has just about every conceivable extra you could wish for including such goodies as sat nav, leather upholstery, Xenon headlamps, 17 inch alloys and CD in-dash autochanger.
But even the entry model 1.6 petrol Visia piles in the goodies as standard and starts from £14,200. Kit includes alloy wheels, air con, driver, passenger and side airbag and electric windows and door mirrors.
The tall, athletic exterior of the Qashqai is matched by a roomy interior with high seating positions giving a commanding view of the road not normally associated with a medium-sized hatchback.
Because of the height of the vehicle, all occupants have plenty of headroom and legroom is good, even in the rear.
The instrument and control layout is neat, logical and uncluttered. Unlike some, the dials and instrumentation is clear and easy to use.
The cargo space with the rear luggage cover in place is 410 litres, which rises to 860 litres to window level and a total of 1513 litres to the roof with the rear seats folded.
Its rugged look has more the look of the Dodge Caliber with a high waistline and athletic looks than medium hatchbacks like the Focus, Golf and Astra.
It offers and excellent choice of engines, taut handling and responsive steering. A number of engine options are offered but the two-litre diesel in the test model is a refined and flexible unit that offers good pace and power with little noise intrusion into the cabin.
It is also economical, offering nearly 48mpg while delivering respectable pace from the 150bhp engines.
Despite the ground clearance, the car feels firmly planted and when cornering there is no evidence of any wallow or pitching. The ride is excellent and is not upset by uneven road surfaces.
The Qashqai comes with three trim options, Visia, Accenta and Tekna, and with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Qashqai 2.0 dCi Tekna (4x4)
Price: £23,800
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 10.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 40.9
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 184g/km
BIK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles