When you look at the Qashqai it is hard to believe it is in fact three inches narrower and an inch shorter than the Ford Focus.

As my previous long termer was the Focus, I was genuinely surprised by the Qashqai’s exact dimensions, as it feels so much more spacious. It may be partly down to the raised seating position but also the dashboard design also seems to create more space.

The back seats in particular have been popular with my friends and relatives, who compliment the Qashqai on its spaciousness and the extra light the panoramic roof provides.

‘Crossover’ cars like the Qashqai’s provide an alternative to those in the marketfor a traditional family car such as Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf but want something that looks different.

As well as its more imposing height, the bold grille, tinted windows and 18 dual tone alloy wheels give the Qashqai a purposeful profile if a little more understated than its sister car the Juke. The soft lines and curvy body style stand out and our long termer comes in Nightshade metallic paint which changes to purple in the sunlight, another layer to our long termers aesthetic appeal.

In March this year, as the new 12 month registration plates were introduced, the Qashqai had its best month on record with 8,487 new cars registered making it the 6th biggest selling car in the UK.

Although we will see a new-look Qashqai next year as Nissan prepares to launch the second-generation model. I hope they do not change too much from the original design. It is a great looking car and one that definitely doesn’t look behind the times. I’m still struggling to find negative things to say about it and for someone as picky as me, this is quite an achievement.