When is an SUV not an SUV? When it's a Qashqai ... or at least that's what Nissan is saying when it describes its latest crossover five-seater as an urban SUV with hatchback handling.
Looking something like a scaled-down Cayenne, the Qashqai not only lacks the leviathan dimensions and price tag of Porsche's uber-4x4, but when Nissan Japan teamed up with its European counterparts, Nissan Design Europe, it set about creating the antithesis of the Cayenne - an environmentally conscious SUV for the city.
Compact SUVs aren't exactly a unique proposition (the Mitsubishi Outlander and Lexus RX300 have been around for a while), but the reason the Qashqai shines is that it's a true crossover car - a high-riding SUV that drives like a sedan, with performance to match. And in Europe, where the diesel reigns supreme, the oil-burning variant of the Qashqai has been receiving high praise across the board for its green emissions figures and car-like handling.
Back in Hong Kong, where diesel cars are off-limits to the average driver, some of that appeal may be lost, but the Nissan's other trump cards still come into play.
Stepping up behind the wheel (there's more than 200mm of ground clearance), the interior of the Qashqai is a homage to matt black minimalism, with a refreshingly uncluttered dash and unobstructed view. Along with a raised line-of-sight and extra headroom, the cabin is as generous as any 4.3-metre-long SUV will allow, and Nissan's designers have used a few tricks to maximise the interior space. The broad dashboard houses a deep glove compartment - refrigerated for storing soft drinks - and the central console features a sliding central bin. Retractable armrests and front cup holders are handy touches, while a climate control system (independently adjustable for rear passengers) and a rear seat that splits 60:40 are practical additions.
Front and rear legroom are excellent, and once you pop open the huge panoramic sunroof, you begin to see how bright and airy the cabin can be despite the extensive use of quality black plastics, cloth, carpets and trim. Fold down the rear seats (they lie flat, unlike in many wagons) and there's an SUV-proportioned rear loading bay large enough to deal with everyday eventualities.
