SUCH WAS the original Qashqai’s success that global sales have continued to increase every year it’s been on sale, defying the expectations and predictions of experts everywhere. The problem is that there isn’t much room for improvement - in sales terms at least.

There were a few gripes, most notably the gutless petrol engine and perceived quality. Both of these issues, and many more besides, have been tackled in the new car.

But first: the styling. Nissan has taken a bit of a risk, because the 2014 Qashqai looks nothing like the old one.

The longer, wider and lower new Qashqai has a well-balanced stance and a more purposeful intent.

In the cabin you’re greeted by a much more upmarket interior, particularly in the higher-spec models.

The ergonomics are spot-on, while the cabin materials compete with the best.

TAt the top of the range the Qashqaii comes with Safety Shield as standard, which includes advanced technology such as Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and Auto Hi-Lo Beam.

It’s not just range-topping models that benefit though. Visia and Acenta models benefit from the optional Smart Vision Pack (£450), which comes with Front Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure Warning, front and rear parking sensors and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Three engines are available at first, with two quiet diesels and a new, turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine in place of the decidedly feeble old 1.6. The diesels, at 1.5 and 1.6 litres, are similar in character, but the 1.5 has a slight edge in refinement after significant development, and with new gearing for its six-speed manual shift it sneaks down to a remarkable 99g/km of CO2 emissions and therefore is exempt from road tax. Performance is adequate rather than impressive.

Both Diesel Car and What Car? magazines recently named the Qashqai Car Of The Year and it will be the 1.5-litre diesel engine that finds most homes.

Practicality has taken a turn for the better, with more interior storage including a large central bin between the front seats. The boot has a clever arrangement of panels that as standard flatten the load lip, but, with a quick switch, can stop your shopping sliding around or increase the overall boot capacity.

The new Qashqai is massively impressive in many areas, not least the exceptional ride and body control. The overriding feeling to take away from it is one of quality.

Bigger than its key rivals, it feels like the real deal, with more boot space and materials quality to match anything else for the money. The price is not cheap, but may think it is worth it.

Taisuke Nakamura, design director, Nissan Design Europe said: "We've added more emotion to the car. There's more movement on the surfaces and a clearer definition of volumes.

"We wanted to make the new Qashqai more modern and I'm confident that we have achieved that goal."

Nissan's philosophy of accessible technology can be seen and touched everywhere in the new Qashqai. From the interior materials and controls to the exterior details, every area has been designed to make full use of available technologies.

Nakamura's team also worked hard to develop the Qashqai's premium feel with a range of styling devices usually found on more expensive luxury models.

From the driver-focused interior and seating position to the exterior design, every element has been crafted to give passengers and owners a feeling of security and control.

Several years of painstaking development have produced a big winner for Nissan.

At a glance

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium

Price: £22,690

Qashqai range from £17,595

Engine: 1.5-litre turbodiesel producing 128bhp

Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels

Performance: Top speed 113mph; 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds

Fuel economy: 74.3mpg

CO2 rating: 99g/km