WHAT can you say that's new about the Nissan Qashqai, the family crossover which is now so ubiquitous on UK roads that it has quite clearly defined its place in the market?

Well, there's a new, third-generation model on its way but there's still time to appreciate the current market-leader.

A faceliftin 2018 saw the Japanese manufacturer upgrade the second-generation model to make it plusher, with improvements made to the design, finish, equipment and refinement.

Built on a new Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family platform, it's slightly longer, a touch lower and with improved looks.

As you'd expect, it's available with a range of petrol and diesel engines - including the 1.7-litre diesel, 148bhp featured here, which replaced the previous 1.6 dCi with more power and torque,and an increased towing capacity of 2,000kg.

There's also a choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel capability and manual or automatic transmissions. And, for the first time in a Qashqai, a four-wheel drive continually variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available, as featured here.

Unlike many other Japanese rivals, the CVT is rather good - there's little of the delay that hinders the progress of other CVTs before the power kicks in, perhaps because of the hefty 340Nm of torque, which peaks at 1,750rpm.

In this guise it officially returns 41.2mpg and I managed a pleasingly close 37.5mpg.

Nissan's advanced ProPILOT drive-assistance technology is available on all automatic variants of Qashqai. An advanced driver assistance system, it is used during single-lane driving on the highway to help maintain the car's lane position and distance from the vehicle in front.

One of the reasons the Qashqai has been so successful is the way it drives. For a crossover hatchback, it handles like a normal family hatch. There's little body roll even when cornering enthusiastically and it handles all but the largest potholes with aplomb. Four-wheel drive ensures there's also plenty of trustworthy grip.

The steering is nicely set-up too. It has a relatively light action which suits driving around town, while at motorway speed it settles down nicely and is more than capable at tackling long distances in quiet comfort.

There's plenty of room up front and enough room for two adults in the rear to manage a long journey in relative comfort.

Interior space remains the same as its predecessor, which means there's plenty of space for a family and their assorted bits and bobs, but the boot has expanded by 20 litres, to make 430 litres with all seats in place and a van-like 1,585 with seats folded. A flat loading lip is also a bonus and the tailgate opens 150mm higher.

The Tekna is well-equipped with 19-inch alloys, air-conditioning, a five-inch digital display between the dials, seven-inch infotainment system with satnav, electrically adjustable driver's seat, LED headlights, heated and electric door mirrors, cruise control, and DAB audio with Bluetooth and USB, front fog lights, automatic wipers and lights, rear privacy glass, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and windscreen.

As a predominantly family vehicle, there's also a host of safety features including six airbags, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.