THE first generation Nissan Qashqai was a game changer in the SUV market and it sold in spades.

So this new generation has a lot of live up to and you’ll not be surprised to know that it has moved things on even further.

It’s looking great – sleeker, sportier and smoother – and comes packed with tech that will make it a big hit for families.

I drove an Acenta Premium, which comes in one level below top-spec Tekna trim.

All cars get hill hold, chassis control, Bluetooth, MP3, TFT screen, electric windows all-round, heated mirrors, two steering settings, cruise control, stop/start, air con and 430 litres of boot space.

So you know that whichever trim you go for, you’re getting lots of bang for your buck.

Step up to Acenta and you can add USB, 17in alloys, leather trim, dual zone climate control, auto lights and wipers and folding door mirrors.

The Acenta Plus driven here gives you the smart vision pack, a new addition for the 2014 Qashqai.

That includes an anti-dazzle rear view mirror, a traffic sign recognition system, headlights that dip their beam automatically, lane departure warning system, front collision avoidance and front and rear parking sensors and camera.

You’ll also get a 7in touchscreen, sat nav and DAB.

Tekna adds all-round cameras, 19in alloys, roof rails, heated front seats and self-parking.

The drive is superb, too.

The driving position is nicely raised and you can see the nose – unlike quite a few modern cars – which means you feel like you can point it exactly where you want it to go.

It is such a smooth drive. My tester had the 1.2 petrol engine and it was perky and a delight.

It returns 50mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 stands at a decent 129g/km. Choose the diesels and consumption and CO2 get as low as 74mpg and 99g/km. Impressive figures for what is not a small car.

On that note, the boot will swallow up anything you reasonably need it to and rear leg room is comfortable for adults.

Nissan has done it again with the Qashqai – it is a terrific all-rounder, especially with a four-wheel-drive version also available.

As a family workhorse that has style and is good to drive, there can be little to better it.

Prices start at £17,595, topping out at £27,845.

Find out more at westovergroup.co.uk/Nissan