It’s not hard to see why the quirkily-named Qashqai is the most successful model Nissan has had in Europe in its 83-year history.

With about 2.3 million sold since the original version was launched in 2007, the car pioneered the crossover segment.

And even though new crossover models appear to be launched every month, ten years after it first appeared the Sunderland-built Qashqai remains the one to beat, taking more than 10 per cent of market share in its segment.

The reasons are simple – the Qashqai fully blends the family-friendly practicality of an SUV with the footprint, driving dynamics and running costs of a hatchback.

Nissan got that tricky blend spot on with the original and subsequent models have built on that success with a series of upgrades to quality, design and technology.

Prices start from £19,295, but the model driven here sits right at the top of the range with a new luxurious Tekna+ grade and a price tag to match.

The flagship model rides on striking 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and the door mirror caps and roof rails are finished in gloss silver.

Hop aboard and there is a new D-shaped, leather-trimmed, three-spoke steering wheel fitted with a pair of four-way controllers and a range of buttons. Air vents and interior door handles are finished in higher-quality, more tactile materials, and new stitching has been added to the centre console armrest.

In the cabin, the new seats are trimmed in soft nappa leather, with 3D quilting on the centre panels. Black leather is standard, with the choice of a rich plum colour as a £495 option.

The driver’s seat features electrically controlled four-way pneumatic lumbar support – allowing drivers of all sizes to fine-tune their seating position. A seat memory function with two stored positions has been added, linked to the door mirrors.

Standard on Tekna+ is the new Bose Premium eight-speaker audio system.

Power comes from a 163 horsepower, 1.6-litre engine that makes this Qashqai a quiet, refined and effortless motorway cruiser while upgrades to the ride, handling and steering have helped to improve the driving experience.

The standard equipment list is far too long to detail but to give some idea, the car packs everything from blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, to a system that spots moving objects in the car’s path.

A ‘smart vision’ pack adds traffic sign recognition and automatic high beam on the LED headlights, along with intelligent emergency braking and front and rear parking sensors with a rear parking camera.

One-touch power window switches are now standard on all four doors across the range.

The boot is a properly flexible load space with shelves and dividers to be adjusted in a multitude of ways. Flip down the 60:40 split rear seats flat and you have van-like carrying capacity.

Since its launch, the Qashqai has won more than 80 awards, including 19 ‘Car of the Year’ titles, but most significantly it continues to defy traditional car lifecycles. March of this year was officially its most successful sales month ever across Europe, with more than 33,000 sold.

Auto facts

Model: Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ DIG-T 163

Price: £29,995

Insurance group: 15 (1-50)

Fuel consumption (combined): 48.7mpg

Top speed: 124mph

Length: 439.4cm/173in

Width: 180.6cm/71.1in

Luggage capacity: 15.2 cu ft

Fuel tank capacity: 14.3 gallons/65 litres

CO2 emissions: 134 g/km

Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles