BUILT in Britain and taking on rivals from around the world, the Nissan Qashqai has been an unqualified success.

Originally a five-seater, the addition of two extra seats in the Qashqai+2 has considerably widened its appeal and practicality.

It also allows the Qashqai to compete with larger and more expensive MPVs which some find difficult to live with on a daily basis.

Nissan has constantly refreshed the range and as a result it is one of the most in-demand MPVs you could choose.

The Qashqai+2 is available with 1.5 and 2.0 diesel or 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines and in three trim levels with front or four-wheel-drive.

I drove the 2WD 2.0 Tekna which costs £23,145 and sits towards the top of the range which begins at £17,000 and runs to about £26,000.

The five-seat Qashqai series is broadly the same but respective models work out about £1,500 cheaper.

The powertrain is extremely smooth and quiet with a willing engine, light clutch and neat precise gearchange which means it can not only keep up with traffic flow without a problem but also delivers very refined motorway cruising ability.

It is also universally economical and returns good fuel consumption without a driver having to consciously change their style.

The satisfactory smoothness of the major controls is duplicated in the secondary switches around the column and on the facia ahead of the driver while the instruments are fairly big and very clear to read.

Heating and ventilation works well to fill the cabin with air at a desired temperature and with the ability to keep it that way without being deafened by a fan or find some areas were either too warm or too cool. Powered windows help.

The oddments room in the Qashqai+2 is good. In front you have a few compartments, there are fascia and door recesses as well as console compartments for small items and the rear seat passengers have door bins, seat-back pockets and a deep rear window shelf.

Climbing in or out posed no problems even if you sit slightly higher up than a conventional car. Boot space at 450-550 litres was good, easy to use and could be quickly increased if the second row was folded.

The third row of seats normally stowed under the luggage floor were quick to lift into place or drop out of the way. I particularly liked the deeply shaped curving and comfortable seats infront.

The taller seating position means visibility is better and that's very desirable when parking or manoeuvring, although the deep rear sides mean you have some blindspots when parking.

Big wipers front and back and strong lights mean weather conditions hold no problems for the Qashqai driver.

Being able to see well means you can exploit road situations to overtake with greater safety or to sooner prepare for hazards ahead.

The performance of the Qashqai is not going to set your underwear alight but it is respectable, the economy is particularly good and it never sounds as if it's straining to deliver.

The roadholding is good, not exceptional, and handling is predictable, while it also feels agile for urban use.