NISSAN’S Qashqai has proved to be not only groundbreaking but also hugely successful since it started hitting our streets 15 years ago.
That has led to a raft of rivals jumping on the crossover bandwagon – giving motorists a bewildering array of choices. So the Japanese marque is ensuring its practical, mid-sized, family transporter will remain popular with the third-generation model.
Introduced last year, it has a far more striking kerb appeal, boasts a more spacious and superior interior, lots of hi-tech kit and a more refined driving experience.
Yet despite the vast improvements over its predecessor, the current Qashqai remains keenly priced compared with many competitors.
I recently had the pleasure of the company of the car in high-end Tekna+ trim for a week and was amazed to find it was available from just £35,195 on the road.
While neighbours instantly recognised the ubiquitous SUV as a Qashqai, they all commented on how much better looking it was.
More muscular, sharp and contemporary, the front end sports an enlarged trademark “V-Motion” grille framed by smart chrome detailing and slim LED headlamps with signature boomerang daylight running lights.
The sharply creased lower front area either side, a line that strikes through the car from the front to the rear and natty rear roof spoiler also convey a sense of dynamism.
Providing a look of robustness to the test car were 20in diamond-cut alloys and a large rear bumper with a noticeable silver insert.
The quality of the cabin was also immediately apparent as I got behind the wheel, with plenty of leather-effect, soft-touch, black and muted dark blue finishing.
These were allied to quilted, perforated, premium leather, heated and powered seats up front, gloss black detailing around the cabin and calming white ambient lighting.
Making the Tekna+ feel even more upmarket was a panoramic glass roof and black headliner along with tactile switches and buttons.
Thanks to a slight increase in size all round, the Qashqai is genuinely pleasant for long journeys for a young family of five or four adults.
The boot space – ranging from 436 to 1379 litres, depending on seat configuration – is also more than capable of meeting most people’s needs.
Impressive technology includes a 12.3in, configurable driver’s information panel and a windscreen-projected 10.8in head-up display.
Meanwhile, the nine-inch central infotainment screen that is prominent at the top of the dash gives easy access to all sorts of features.
Full smartphone compatibility incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and an app that allows you to remotely control the locks, lights and horn, as well as locate the vehicle.
An intelligent sat nav provides 3D maps and traffic updates, and the whole set-up is connected to a cracking BOSE audio system for your tunes as you glide through journeys.
Helping you to effortlessly enjoy the ride are a plethora of mechanical and safety engineering gubbins that are incorporated in the Qashqai – as well as other creature comforts.
Built on a new platform, the third generation benefits from an uprated suspension, while the power steering is more responsive than before.
Aids such as intelligent cruise control, front, side and rear anti-collision systems, a reversing camera, around-view monitor and front/rear sensors, and driver attention alert are also part of an extensive safety list.
A car of this class obviously also includes keyless entry and start, auto lights (including high beam) and wipers, not to mention dual-zone climate control.
My test vehicle came with a mild-hybrid, 158PS, 1.3-litre petrol engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, that drove the front wheels.
The stats explain why it will suit so many – it hits 62mph in 9.5 seconds, a 128mph top speed gives it long-haul motorway capability and it can average 43.6mpg, (which means CO2 levels of 146g/km).
I travelled numerous routes around the south of Scotland involving country and urban roads, as well as motorways, and found this Qashqai to be an easy companion.
Standard, Eco and Sport modes added to the enjoyment of a car that coped with some weather-rutted surfaces well and responded in a pleasing manner on pretty much all occasions.
