Nissan Qashqai Pilot One Edition (Price, as tested, £33,425)

WHAT IS IT:

THINK of it as your Guardian Angel with wheels.

ON THE ROAD:

THE Qashqai has been around for some time now and we have truly taken it to our hearts.

It's a staple on our roads and now it helps keep you that bit safer on it.

According to a survey, conducted by Nissan, almost a quarter of drivers admitted to feeling anxious on UK motorways, while 39 per cent of those questioned admitted they felt scared, nervous, uneasy or uncertain behind the wheel in general.

With this in mind, Nissan launched its ProPILOT system, featuring technology that assists with steering, acceleration and braking. It's described as the "first step on the journey towards autonomous driving".

No messing around, the system is controlled by the press of a dedicated button. Handily located on the steering wheel, it avoids the need to take your eyes off the road and try and locate the functions within a touchscreen, for example.

Once active it maintains the vehicle’s speed and a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If the vehicle in front changes speed, the ProPILOT system reacts and alters the Qashqai’s speed.

Unlike some vehicles with similar functions, it does not slam on the anchors, instead operating far more smoothly.

ON THE INSIDE:

THE Pilot One edition we tested is based on the range-topping Tekna+ model and therefore is very well appointed inside. From feel to smell, the interior is quality.

Our car had Plum Nappa leather trim with 3D quilting, ensuring a supremely comfortable ride.

Riding high, you get a good view of the road ahead, but big pillars hamper vision a little. It's the same looking out the rear, but decent mirrors and the addition of front and rear parking sensors and colour front, rear and side view cameras help navigation.

WHAT DO YOU GET:

OUR car came with, among other items, 19ins diamond cut alloys, chrome adornments, electric one touch shade, panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, underbody vortex generators, aluminium sports pedals, carbon effect dashboard trim, D-shaped leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable four-way lumber support on driver seat, electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function, Monoform sports seats, Pilot One Edition door entry guards and interior badge, Plum Nappa leather trim with 3D quilting, automatic folding door mirrors, electric speed sensitive power steering, front and rear electric windows, heated front seats, idle stop/start, intelligent around view monitor, intelligent auto headlights, reverse link door mirrors, split-folding rear seats, Bose audio system with eight Bose speakers, DAB digital radio, Nissan Connect 7ins touchscreen navigation and entertainment system, automatic dual zone climate control, front fog lights, electric parking brake, intelligent key with start push button and intelligent park assist.

HOW PRACTICAL IS IT?

THE Qashqai is easy to operate, easy to get in and out of and easily swallows your luggage. There's acres of room up front and the rear can carry three with the minimum of fuss.

The boot has 401 litres of room or 1,569 litres with the seats folded.

RUNNING COSTS:

NISSAN say it should be possible to get 60.1mpg on the combined cycle. I managed 51.4mpg. CO2 emissions are 122 g/km.

VERDICT:

CLEVER and practical, the Qashqai continues to impress

ALTERNATIVES:

SEAT Ateca, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage