When Nissan launched the Qashqai back in the early 2000s nobody really knew what to expect. It was a cross between a family hatchback and a small 4×4 – what Nissan had done was create the 'Crossover', and it proved so popular that other manufacturers soon followed suit.
Lookswise, the latest Qashqai is a much more stylish offering, fitting in neatly with Nissan's new design direction. Inside, the cabin is a vast improvement on its predecessor; the centre console is dominated by a five inch touch-screen monitor which is used to control the satellite navigation and radio.
Few crossovers are better suited to family life than the Qashqai; there's plenty of storage for everyday items and ample head and leg room for both driver and passengers alike. The Qashqai may have the high ride height of a small 4×4, but it actually handles like family hatchback. The steering is well weighted and precise, and there's no wallow through the bends.
Which engine you opt for will really depend on how you're going to use it. The 1.2 litre petrol is best suited to town driving, while the 1.6 litre diesel is a better offering for motorway journeys. The pick of the range, though, is the 109bhp 1.5 litre diesel, which pulls smoothly and is frugal.
That's what we think of the Qashqai, but how does it fare as a family workhorse? We asked the Rishi family to put it to the test and share their opinions in our video (above).
