Nissan's Qashqai crossover can genuinely lay claim to surprising the establishment with its success. Since being introduced in 2007 half a million examples have been sold, affirming Nissan's belief that buyers are looking for alternatives to the traditional five-door hatchback and compact MPV. With success comes imitation and to ward off would-be pretenders to the Qashqai's throne, Nissan will offer an enhanced car from March 2010.

The restyle is modest, though most notable from the front, where a redesigned bonnet, bumper and grille are complemented by shapely new headlights and wings. The changes do away with the slightly awkward bulbousness of the outgoing car. Other external differences are limited to new alloy wheels, an additional two paint colour choices and LEDs in the rear lights. The tweaks have improved the aerodynamics of the Qashqai, as well as its attractiveness.

New to the range will be a Pure Drive model, which features reduced weight, further improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and altered gearing - all in the name of reducing emissions. Powered by a 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel, CO₂ has dropped from 137- to 129g/km.

All models receive a new instrument pack with a clearer on-board computer, while Nissan claims to have improved refinement by the fitment of better window sealing and additional sound proofing. The suspension has also been subjected to revision.

The updated Qashqai range starts at £15,395 for the five-seat, front-wheel drive Visia model powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The seven-seat Qashqai+2 commands a £1,300 premium and four-wheel drive costs £1,500 extra. The Pure Drive version appears to be available only in Visia trim, at £16,795. All of these prices include the 17.5 percent VAT rate by the way, as the new car is not on sale until March 2010.

Shane O' Donoghue - 5 Dec 2009