As you’re probably curious about what makes a hatch-SUV hybrid tick, we’ll start off with a look under the hood. The engine range available in the Qashqai is all about economy and reduced noise. It’s available in four trim grades: Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta and Teknain. The engines range from two petrol and two diesel models, the latter which level off at 150bhp and 130bhp respectively. The entry-level 1.5 dCi 110bhp diesel model puts out only 99g of CO2 per km, but I’d avoid this as it’s a dog to drive. You’ll be dropping two gears with this one, and when you’re overtaking it can feel like it’s taking a year. The 1.6 dCi diesel, on the other hand, has a cool 130bhp which you’ll find much more useful. It also comes with a CVT transmission. CVT’s are best mated to V8 powerplants and anything with less power and the acceleration feels like its anchored to a super powerful electron-magnet. Creating a car with good low-speed ride and the ability to handle rough surfaces usually involves a compromise in set-up. However the Qashqai is equipped with advanced double-piston shock absorbers that is engineered to cushion the ride at both ends of the range. The two channel system features a conventional channel that handles the kind of low-frequency bumps found on rough roads, and an additional channel that deals with the kind of small high-frequency bumps found on smoother roads. The wide, rounded contours of the cabin give the vehicle a bulkier feel, and definitely lean more towards the nuances of an SUV than a hatch. The front seats are very comfortable, and the rails for them mean that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to adjusting.

All Qashqai models enjoy a high level of specification with air-conditioning, selectable power steering, high-definition TFT combimeter display and hill-start assist fitted across the range.

Mid-range Acenta versions add Dual Zone Climate Control Air Conditioning, Automatic Lights and Wipers, 17” Alloy Wheels and an Interior Ambient Lighting system, while N-Connecta models gain NissanConnect 7-inch Touchscreen Navigation and Entertainment System, Around View Monitor and

18” alloy wheels. N-Connecta models also come equipped with a Smart Vision Pack that includes: Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Front and Rear Parking Sensors and an Anti Dazzle Rear View Mirror

 Range-topping Tekna models add Safety Shield Technologies including: Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Driver Attention Alert, 19-inch Alloy Wheels and Thermaclear Heated Windscreen. Also included is Intelligent Park Assist, Bi-LED headlights with auto leveling, Graphite leather trim, heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

When you visit dealerships like www.nissanretail.co.uk and ask about the Qashqai, your sales rep is sure to point out all the helpful technology which has been thrown into this clever hybrid. Right from the entry-level models, you can pay £350-£500 more for a front collision avoidance system, along with lane-departure warnings, general parking sensors and speed sign recognition. If you were to buy the highest trim, the “Tekna”, you’ll get all of those techy features along with a blind-spot warning system, 360-view cameras, self-parking (which if you ask me is just eerie) and Google “send-to-car” in the headlamps and satnav. When it comes to owning a Qashqai, it’s not cheap but it’s not unaffordable either. It’s more economical and cheaper to buy than many of its competitors, such as the Tiguan, CR-V and Kuga, with a fuel economy of 99g/km. Having said that, it’s more expensive to buy and own than, say, the Renault Kadjar. Though it may not be within budget, there wasn’t anything in this car that made me feel like an owner wouldn’t get their money’s worth. Just as some good ideas often fall apart in practice, this bad idea has proven to be a pleasant surprise! If you’re torn between a hatch and an SUV, then I strongly recommend test-driving a Qashqai. (this was a sponsored post)