THE Nissan Qashqai is the daddy of crossover models.

A winning combination of Sport Utility Vehicle practicality, ‘king of the road' driving position, plus the running costs of a family hatchback have been responsible for more than one million sales worldwide since its launch in March 2007.

A host of competitors have stepped forward to challenge the Sunderland-built Qashqai, but Nissan have responded refreshing the model and maintaining its appeal.

The latest Qashqai is eye-catching with funky styling and chunky alloys while a panoramic glass roof with one-touch shade makes the interior light and airy.

There is also plenty of room for up to five adults with lots of leg and shoulder room. A sloping roofline towards the tailgate can sometimes mean headroom in the rear is hindered - but the Qashqai manages to offer a sleek profile and space for your bonce.

One downside though is the thick pillars and a small rear windscreen which impedes visibility - although the top-of-the-range Tekna trim includes parking sensors plus a colour rear-view parking camera which alleviates this problem.

The rear seats can be folded and offer a standard 60:40 split, while the boot is roomy and well shaped with few intrusions. There's lots of well concealed storage space for a family's odds and sods.

The driving position is commanding with the seat able to be cranked up and down while two-way steering wheel adjustment means most people will be able to get comfortable.

The dashboard is a modern affair that is stylish and well laid out while all the controls are solid and easy to see and use. The interior plastics are hard-wearing and the fit and finish are excellent.

Nissan doesn't skimp on equipment levels with even entry-level Visia cars given air conditioning, radio/CD player, a hands-free telephone kit and electric windows.

Move up to the Acenta trim and climate control, parking sensors, cruise control, plus automatic headlamps and wipers are also thrown in.

The n-tec model gets the panoramic sunroof and satellite navigation while the top-of-the-range Tekna model I drove adds full leather upholstery and xenon headlights to the already tasty mix.

Safety equipment is similarly plentiful with front, side and curtain airbags supplemented by active front head restraints that move forward if the vehicle is hit from the rear to minimise whiplash.

The 1.6 dCi diesel engine is a beauty offering the winning combination of refinement, power and economy.

With an average fuel economy figure in excess of 50mpg, relatively low carbon dioxide emissions and a 0-62mph time of just under 11 seconds there is much to like.

The oil burner is linked to a slick six-speed gearbox and there is space next to the clutch to rest your left foot.

The Qashqai is surprisingly nimble in corners with neat and accurate steering plus a taut body inspiring confidence in the handling.

The ride benefits from efficient damping and a superior suspension ensuring the car's occupants are cosseted within the cabin.

No matter what the state of the road, and regrettably too many are in a pretty poor shape, humps and hollows are treated with disdain.