MY boys often indulge in a game of car spotting while we are out and about.

The eldest one nearly always wins and one of the reasons is he often picks the Nissan Qashqai as his vehicle of choice.

Fitting really, as a great many Britons have too.

Built in Sunderland, the crossover has become Nissans most successful vehicle ever, with one in six cars built in the UK last year being a Qashqai.

Last year, 25,776 Qashqais were sold - up from just over in 2008.

Not only that, but 2,759 Qashqai and Qashqai+2 models were sold in Britain in December, helping make Nissan the best selling Japanese brand during that period.

Given the effects of the recession, it really makes you wonder where the company would have been without it?

Driving one, it's easy to see just why the Qashqai - or cash cow as some have nicknamed it - has been so successful.

It strikes an almost perfect balance between conventional car and soft-roader. You get the handling of a saloon and the security and presence that comes with its high driving position.

Though it's been out for coming up three years now, the Qashqai's design remains contemporary, but despite that, Nissan will still be updating it slightly next month.

Our test car featured the 2.0 diesel engine, which is preferable to the petrol equivalent for its greater pulling power. Jointly developed with Renault, it is smooth and refined and, relatively speaking, environmentally-friendly.

Despite only being the 2WD version, the Qashqai handled well in the recent wintry conditions, feeling very sure-footed.

It won't set the world alight off the blocks, 0-62mph comes up in a little over ten seconds and it tops out at 119mph, but that won't worry potential purchasers.

You can also buy diesel powered rivals that offer a higher rate of return at the pumps, but 42.8mpg on the combined cycle isn't that bad.

Inside, the Acenta model that we drove came loaded with plenty of kit and its all perfectly well laid out and accessible.

You get bags of leg room, wherever you sit, and the seating is very comfortable. The Qashqai, like most cars these days, is more suited to carrying four than five, but you can squeeze an additional person in if necessary, or upgrade to the Qashqai+2 and solve the problem in one fell swoop.

The rear seats fold with ease, and when done the floor is practically flat, increasing what is an already substantial load space still further.

In a motoring popularity contest the Qashqai is right up there and, though we are a fickle bunch, there's nothing to suggest it won't continue to go from strength to strength in the future, something Nissan is no doubt truly thankful for.

ENGINE: 2.0 litre diesel; MAX POWER: 148bhp; MAX TORQUE: 236lb/ft; MAX SPEED: 119mph; 0-62MPH: 10.5secs AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION: 42.8mpg (combined); EQUIPMENT (includes): Drive computer; Audio with Bluetooth compatibility; Rain-sensing wipers; Cruise control; Front and rear power windows; Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; Electric folding door mirrors; Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment; Electric speed-sensitive power steering; Remote audio control; Ultrasonic rear park system; 17ins alloys; six CD in-dash auto-changer; Audio system with six speakers; Aux socket for MP3 players; 14 litre glovebox with lamp and damped opening; 410 litre boot space ; Leather steering wheel; Leather gear knob; Dual zone climate control air conditioning with glovebox cooler; Remote central locking; Engine immobiliser; Ultrasonic alarm system; ESP; ABS with Brake Assist and EBD; Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags; Front fog lamps.