DESIGNED, engineered and manufactured in the UK the Qashqai has long been the star of the Nissan line-up and the latest third generation model introduces clever hybrid technology to the talented range.

Sitting at the top is the e-Power model which delivers EV-like performance and handling in a different way with a 1.97kWh battery that is kept charged by a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine and the battery drives a motor, which in turn drives the front wheels.

I sampled the Qashqai e-Power in high-end Tekna+ trim costing £42,980, and finishing at £43,725 when the smart two-tone paint was added.

With an output of 140kW and 330Nm of torque, the car offers a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. It also delivers very good fuel economy witha combined WLTP figure of 53.3mpg.

This new five-door Sunderland built Qashqai has a strong and handsome look with an e-POWER-specific grille and badging, a rear roof spoiler, LED light clusters with follow-me-home headlights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a fixed glass roof with sunshade and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is very smart and modern, and is packed with technology. The front seats are power-adjustable and along with the outer rear ones and the steering wheel - a real bonus in our recent winter weather.

A 12.3-inch Nissan Connect Display dominates and offers access to onboard features like the navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth with audio streaming and much more.

A separate 12.3-inch TFT screen behind the steering wheel clearly displays all the vital driving info and thankfully there is a separate panel to access the climate control set-up.

The clutter free cabin provides lots of room and five adults can travel in comfort and the automatic transmission makes things easy for the driver.

As well as three drive modes called Eco, Standard and Sport that alter the driving characteristics of the car, there is an EV mode and an E-Pedal setting to maximise fuel efficiency.

The Qashqai is a great motorwaycompanion but it is also at home on country roads and in town, where its high stature provides excellent visibility. Electronic aids and cameras help with parking and safety.

With lots of practicalfeatures it is an ideal family car and the boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, can hold 868 litres of kit, and that increases to 1,621 litres with the 60:40 split-folding seats folded.

Other handy storage areas can be found in the cabin along with a wireless charging pad and front and rear USB ports to keep devices connected on the move.

The Qashqai was awarded a maximum five-star score when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating thanks to its impressive raft of safety systems and driver aids to protect passengers and other road users.