Specifications
Model tested: Nissan Qashqai 2.0 CVT N-tec 2WD, Qashqai 1.5 dCi manual 2WD
Price: £21,105, £19,895
Date tested: March 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

When Nissan put its first 'crossover' vehicle on sale in the UK in 2005, it couldn't have guessed the new niche would soon account for over half of its European sales. Now the 2010 Qashqai is here, and its mix of hatchback size and SUV height shows no sign of losing its appeal.

It might take up the same space on the road as a Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3, but the Qashqai feels quite different to sit in, with a commanding driving position. Thanks to its extra height, there's more cabin room on offer and it makes a particularly good family car. So, how has it been improved?

The biggest visible exterior changes are to the nose, which features a sharp new bumper design, gloss black grille, updated headlamps and heavily sculpted bonnet. It's sleeker than before, and the car looks lighter. At the rear, LED tail lights bring the styling into the 21st Century while new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheel designs and two new paint colours - red and grey - complete the makeover outside.

The interior has taken a step upmarket with some subtle changes, which have a significant impact. Ambient lighting and a white-on-black TFT display between the dials add a feeling of quality. Cabin storage has been improved, and it's now possible to fit 15 cans of pop in the cooled glovebox. Boot space remains the same though, with 410 litres up to the parcel shelf, 860 litres up to the roofline and 1,513 litres with the rear seats folded.

---

---

There are two petrol engines and two diesels, starting with a 113bhp 1.6-litre petrol, front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox; it averages 42.8mpg and manages 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds.

There's also a 138bhp 2-litre petrol which averages 36.2mpg and hits 62mph in just over ten seconds. It's available with front- or four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

The entry-level diesel is the 1.5-litre dCi, with 105bhp, acceleration to 62mph in 12.2 seconds and 55.3mpg average fuel consumption. Top of the heap is a 148bhp 2-litre dCi, which does 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, and averages 44.1mpg in front-wheel drive, six-speed manual guise.

Buyers after an eco Qashqai will want to wait a bit though, as a 129g/km Pure Drive model is on its way, with economy of 57.6mpg.

With used Qashqais holding their value better than the Focus and Golf, the model has hit a soft spot with UK drivers. Being designed and built entirely in Britain, this is good news for our economy - so there's pressure on the 2010 Qashqai to deliver.

Luckily there's no disappointment here. We scored the 2007 Qashqai highly, and the new model improves on its looks and quality. The 129g/km Pure Drive model will also be a welcome addition to the range.