Nissan have updated the Qashqai earlier this year, but is it actually better than the previous model? Overall, yes, but don’t expect any major visual changes on the outside, as it brings new lighting units on both ends, a different grille, additional rims, and colors.

Things don’t seem particularly different in the cabin either, as it still feels identical to the old car, and, compared to a Peugeot 3008, its interior looks old, according to CarBuyer’s review.

However, the materials used are still good, as you get plenty of soft touch panels and, if you go for higher-spec variants, leather seats, touchscreen infotainment, and other gizmos that should keep users happy on long journeys. There is plenty of space on the rear bench, although three people could be a crowd, and the boot size is decent enough.

The engine range has remained untouched, and all of them feel good, but you should probably avoid the 1.2-liter gasoline engine that makes 115PS (113hp), as it can feel a bit underpowered every now and then. Tested here is the 1.5-liter diesel, rated at 110PS (108hp), which should return over 70 UK mpg (58 US mpg / 4 lt/100 km), but in the real world, you’re looking at around 50 UK mpg (42 US mpg / 5.6 l/100 km).

The 2017 Nissan Qashqai still drives pretty good; it’s smooth, comfortable and, thanks to additional sound deadening, more quiet. However, it’s not that involving compared to a Mazda CX-5.

Nissan will also offer the compact SUV with the ProPilot semi-autonomous technology, which allows it to accelerate, steer, and brake on its own when traveling on the highway, but the tech will become available later this year.

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