Road test: Nissan Qashqai 1.5

Since it appeared in 2007 the Nissan Qashqai has reigned as our best Crossover vehicle — in fact, it invented the category. British designed and built, the second generation has now arrived but can it retain its crown in what has become an overcrowded sector of the market?

The answer is yes. The new model is lower, wider and longer, with sharper styling and a roomier, better-quality cabin. All three engines are more economical and generate less CO2 than before. For Londoners, pick of the bunch must be the 1.5-litre dCi. Its 108hp diesel engine generates only 99g/km of CO2, which means it avoids the congestion charge.

Power is delivered quietly and smoothly, it corners with hardly any body roll and Nissan claims it can manage 74.3mpg. We also tried a 1.6-litre diesel with a good CVT auto gearbox. This pulled strongly but felt slightly less well balanced and a bit heavier. Baby of the bunch was a 1.2-litre petrol DIG-T with 113hp, which despite the car’s size was up to the job and also smooth and quiet. Only on steep gradients did the lack of engine size become apparent.

The refinement of all three versions makes them capable cruisers, the loudest noise at motorway speeds being from the tyres. As usual with Nissan, there are four trim levels, and even in entry-level Visia form the Qashqai is pretty well equipped.

Nissan Qashqai
1.5 dCi Acenta
Top speed: 112mph;
Emissions: 99g/km;
MPG: 74.3;
Price: from £20,840