A good connection; The Nissan Qashqai n-tec has a great entertainment and sat nav system and, says ENDA MULLEN, this is a motor that will appeal to more than just compact SUV buyers.

Byline: ENDA MULLEN

NISSAN'S Qashqai might have taken a few people by surprise when it was first unveiled but it has gone on to be a soaraway success.

The company have sold more that 250,000 and the idea of an SUV that isn't really an SUV, though breathtaking in its simplicity, would seem to be a winner.

Let's face it, most people buy SUVs because they like the look of them rather than because they want to go exploring green lanes.

Whether it's the rugged styling, road presence or elevated driving position, there's a huge appetite for cars that look like they should spend more time off-road than on it.

But, as everyone knows, the odd kerb or two is about as far as many SUVs get at the best of times.

Even though the Qashqai hasn't been around long, the range has been given a fresh look with the addition of the n-tec, which sits between the Acenta and Tekna trim levels.

Its main selling point is Nissan Connect - a new integrated audio, navigation and communication package. It offers full connectivity with external audio players and a sassy and easy-touse satnav system. Ordinarily, one would expect to pay handsomely for some of this kit and the Connect system is an impressive addition.

You get a CD with MP3/WMA playback, FM/AM radio, aux-in socket, USB port for iPod connection and Bluetooth connectivity.

There's also 5in touchscreen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map and a postcode search facility.

Another hi-tech gizmo is the colour reversing camera and, though the Qashqai isn't the biggest of vehicles, given the car's height, I found it a useful accessory.

Other features add much to what is already a stylish-looking motor in the shape of impressive 18in alloy wheels and a panoramic roof.

As well as appealing to compact SUV buyers, the Qashqai is aimed at the sort of people who might normally buy a Focus, Astra or Golf.

For a compact SUV, it is incredibly stable and more agile than most. For motoring around town, the 1.6-litre petrol engine is impressively punchy.

It feels well put together, too, with a well laid out dash and plenty of soft-touch plastics.

One minor drawback is it isn't as big inside as first impressions might suggest. The rear bench is on the narrow side and the boot isn't the largest but it compares well for practicality to a hatch and has a bit of an edge over most when it comes to being family-friendly.

And if you really want a Qashqai capable of going off-road, you can buy one if you opt for a model higher up the range.

Factfile: Model: Nissan Qashqai n-tec 1.6 Engine: 1598cc, 4cyl petrol Power: 115bhp 0-62mph: 12 seconds Insurance group: 5 Fuel economy: 42.2mpg (combined) CO2 emissions: 159g/km Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles Price: pounds 17,650

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HOPING TO QASH IN: New Qashqai boasts Nissan Connect - a new integrated audio, navigation and communication package