We’ve already tested the most efficient 99g/km 1.5 dCi new Nissan Qashqai on the international launch, so when the car made it to the UK we sampled the more powerful 130hp 1.6 diesel that makes up the other half of the oil-burning choices. 

We also plumped for the four-wheel drive version, which adds another 14g/km due to the extra weight of the 4×4 system, and also costs a hefty additional £1700 compared with the front-wheel drive version. 

The new model is a step forward from its very good predecessor in every area.

The boot is 20 litres larger, the interior is smarter and better equipped, and the styling is more bullish. Plus, it still drives and handles well, and is refined and comfortable. 

The 4×4 versions are only available with the 1.6 diesel engine and in the two highest trim levels.

This Tekna model tops the Qashqai range and, although the price is high, the amount of technology is impressive.

Costing £2150 more than the Acenta Premium trim, the Tekna adds features including Nissan’s safety shield, consisting of around-view monitor, blind spot warning, moving object detection, and driver support assist functions, as well as Nissan’s parking assist system, heated full-leather front seats, 19-inch alloys and roof rails. 

But the costs case for the all-wheel drive model doesn’t really stack up, unless the extra traction is business-critical.

That £1700 extra over the front-wheel drive model, combined with the efficiency reduction and its economy, BIK and NI implications, means a 4.9p per mile difference between the two. A set of winter tyres, or accepting there might be a couple of days a year that it would be best not to travel, would both be cheaper. 

That is also reflected in a comparison between the Qashqai 4×4 and the all-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 SE-L Nav and Mini Countryman Cooper SD, which are considerably cheaper but are less efficient, while the Nissan’s unmatched residual values help it to claw back some more ground.

Qashqai 1.6 dCi Tekna 4WD CPM 58.8p
 
P11D price £27,790
Model price range £17,595-£27,845
Residual value 36.3%
Depreciat­ion £16,890
Fuel £6460
Service, maintenance and repair £2341
Vehicle Excise Duty £220
National Insurance £2531
Cost per mile 58.8p
Fuel consumption 57.6mpg
CO2 (tax) 129g/km (21%)
BIK 20/40% per month £97/£195
Service interval 18,000mls
Insurance (1-50) group 19
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max) 430/1585 litres
Engine size/power 1598cc/130hp
Top speed/0-60mph 118mph/10.5secs
On sale early 2014