NISSAN has carved out a stellar sales record with the Qashqai, the most popular car in its sector and an all-round best seller.

But it's with the striking Ariya all-electric crossover that the true future lies.

Looking like something that just slipped off the designer's drawing board, its minimalist contours and clutter-free shape is backed up by the latest technology and an impression of genuine prestige quality.

About the same size as an X-Trail SUV, it offers practicality alongside seating and luggage capacity for four or even five adults and is powered by a 63kWh battery which develops 214bhp in the form we drove. There's also a more powerful version which has stronger acceleration and a longer range.

It is also available with four-wheel drive for those who require greater adhesion in poor conditions.

The cabin is just as adventurous in design as the exterior, with high grade plastic mouldings and a digitised facia which continues the simplistic, modern theme.

Plenty of leg and head room both front and rear. On the debit side, the rear boot is smaller than expected due the electrics but still manages to absorb 466litres of luggage which should satisfy most demands.

Seats are Alcantara covered and offer perfect support while a similar material adds a luxury touch to the facia. All very smart and cosseting in an upmarket way.

No shortage of useful storage places in the cabin which has clearly be designed with families in mind. Beneath the front armrest there's a tray which is home to a wireless phone charger, cup holders nearby and a glove box in front of the passenger.

A generously sized drawer is situated in the middle of the dash which can hold further odds and ends.

On the move, it gets off the line smartly thanks to the immediacy of power, making town driving sprightly yet refined. Acceleration is about average for the sector with 62mph coming up in less than eight seconds.

On poor roads, you tend hear a few suspension movements, partly due to the lack of other mechanical noise. Road rumble is generally well suppressed.

If you're pressing on at motorway speeds, you'll notice the driving range sinking rapidly. We tended to get around 200 miles from a full charge, rather than the hoped-for 250 miles.

Progress is relaxed and refined with decent steering feedback and handling that's precise and predictable if not exactly sporty. Cornering roll is well contained and country roads can be negotiated swiftly and comfortably.

There are plenty of safety support systems on board. As well as cruise control and driver alert systems, Nissan's ProPilot both keeps you in lane and is connected to the sat nav which anticipated the bends, speed limits and junctions coming up.

In addition to the usual Nissan three year warranty, the Ariya's electric drive components get a five-year, 60,000 mile warranty and the battery itself is guaranteed for eight years and 100,000 miles.