Should you buy one?

Yes, with a couple of small provisos. If you’re in the market for a medium-sized SUV, the Qashqai should be at, or very near the top, of your shopping list. It’s one of the most technically advanced SUVs available, is pleasant to drive, and comes with a choice of hybrid engines, with the E-Power setup being the pick of the lot. The lack of plug-in hybrid could prove a barrier for some, however. The latest facelift may not enhance the car mechanically, but it’s certainly given the car a contemporary cosmetic edge to bring it up to date.

It’s practical, with some very clever interior touches, and offers a spacious interior, though not quite as roomy as the best this class has to offer. While the quality and interior are excellent, the question of whether it can beat the excellent SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan is a little more nuanced than that because it’s gong to come down to your personal preferences.

The Nissan’s bold looks and quality interior will appeal to those looking to stand out from the crowd (not something we’d have said about the Qashqai before), but the aforementioned rivals are perhaps easier to acclimatise to, and you still get a wider range of engines (including diesels) by choosing one of those.

So, if you’re happy with the style and versatility of the Qashqai, it’s a highly recommended choice.

What we like

We like the way it looks and drives, and the sense of security and safety it gives you on the road. The interior is well thought out, and the tech all works very well, with very little to annoy you as you go about your life behind the wheel. The E-Power hybrid is genuinely excellent to drive around town, and seriously refined elsewhere. Generous standard safety equipment is also another bonus.

What we don’t like

The limited range of engines could be a factor, especially the lack of plug-in hybrid, which is commonplace in most rivals. Though we like the E-Power hybrid setup, and it’s much more pleasant to drive, it doesn’t seem to be all that more fuel efficient than the standard mild-hybrid. Lots of road noise from the largest alloy wheels could prove annoying if you do plenty of long journeys, too.