THERE IS a satisfying amount of grunt delivered from the Qashqai’s 150 bhp 2.0 six speed diesel engine and on top of that it will reward you with about 40mpg.

The range-topping Tekna on test here ingratiates itself further with comfortable full leather upholstery, heated front seats and a panoramic glass roof.

With the Qashqai's tall posture and high ground clearance, body lean can be felt in corners, but it feels a long way from unwieldy in a bend. There's lots of grip and the weighty steering is satisfyingly direct. The car rides very well, too with lumps and bumps smoothed out nicely at any speed.

The Qashqai's list prices are competitive when compared to those of similar rivals. However, while resale values are sound, they can't match those of its key rival – the ubiquitous VW Golf.

The Nissan feels a touch above the rest of the small family car class. Soft-touch materials cover the dash, and the interior is superbly screwed together. There's plenty of head and legroom in the front, meaning that comfort is outstanding for this class of car.

The Qashqai is best suited to four people, but there's enough shoulder room to carry five at a push. The boot is large for the class, and it's well proportioned too. The only drawback is that there is not as much headroom for rear passengers as the Golf. That said, this is a tidy, reliable, nippy little number and it does what it says on the tin.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

POSITIVE POINTS

Economical
Nippy
Practical
Quality build

NEGATIVE POINTS

VW Golf rival holds value better
Rear headroom
Body lean

FACTS

Nissan Qashqai 2.0dCi 2WD Tekna

Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
Combined MPG: 42.8
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 236lb ft
CO2 174g/km/VED Band H
Towing limited (braked) (kg) 1400
Price: £19,795