Being first to the market with a desirable product is all well and good, but there’s an inevitability that others will take your idea and try to improve on it.

When Nissan introduced the first ‘urban crossover’ in 2007 to great acclaim, it set in process a chain of events that transformed the shape of the UK car market in the decade that followed.

With rival manufacturers falling over themselves to emulate the Nissan Qashqai, Britain’s roads are now jam packed full of crossovers as the public’s appetite for these versatile, practical machines shows no sign of abating.

With the marketplace evermore crowded, the Japanese firm has needed to be on its toes to keep the Qashqai at the forefront of a sector it invented.

By upping its game with every refresh of the Qashqai, Nissan is still producing a vehicle that successfully mixes the practicality and desirability of an SUV with the size, efficiency and dynamic performance of a compact hatchback. Indeed, the Qashqai is still true to its original roots but Nissan has innovated and consistently added new tech through the life of the car.

In 2010, there was the addition of Around View Monitor, Nissan’s 360-degree parking camera technology. Similarly, in 2014 with the launch of the second-generation Qashqai, Intelligent Park Assist was integrated.

The more recent developments include upgraded diesel engines which provide more power, enhanced performance and lower emissions.

The latest 1.7-litre diesel unit, tested here, delivers 150ps and 340Nm of torque, feeling nicely-powered for a machine of this size.

That’s more sprightly than its predecessor to the tune of 20ps of power and 20Nm of torque – enough to notice the improvement and significantly more punchy if you’re planning on towing.

The engine is mated with the excellent Xtronic automatic transmission, which responds well to throttle inputs and isn’t caught floundering as often as some comparable boxes.

Along with the nifty handling, it makes for a car that’s easy to drive and comfortable to live with, while the addition of four wheel drive makes the Qashqai feel sure-footed.

Body roll and lean is well controlled, with the vehicle feeling as at home when you’re looking to make progress on B-roads as it does negotiating tighter turns and traffic on inner city roads.

My test vehicle came in high-end Tekna trim, which brings part-leather heated front seats, with power adjustment on the driver’s side, LED headlights, a self-parking system, a heated windscreen, a BOSE sound system and adaptive cruise control.

The car also had the impressive Nissan ProPilot, which is a semi-autonomous, advanced driver assistance system that assists with steering, acceleration and braking. Nissan says ProPilot makes motorway and traffic driving ‘easier, less stressful and more relaxing.’

It’s a car that’s crammed full of kit but, at over £33,000, it should be!

The cabin is a pleasant place to be, with a clutter-free and upmarket feel. The part leather upholstery and ambient lighting are nice features while, on a practical level, there’s bags of space up front and room for three adults in the back, plus a roomy boot.

The slightly raised front seats offer a commanding all-round view.

The seven-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and sports clear graphics.

If you look hard enough, there are some scratchy plastics to be found and, in my view, the interior lacks a splash of colour, but the overall ambience is still very pleasant.

In terms of appearance, the Qashqai looks the part thanks to a sporty silhouette, striking front grille, silver roof rails and eye-catching 19-inch alloys.

In conclusion, the Qashqai continues to tick all the boxes that first appealed to a new cohort of buyers back in 2007.

Nissan Qashqai 1.7 TEKNA with pro pilot

PRICE: £33,315 on the road

TRANSMISSION: CVT four-wheel-drive

ENGINE: 1.7-litre diesel

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph IN 11.2 SECONDS

MAX SPEED: 120mph

EMISSIONS: 154G/KM

ECONOMY: 41.2 combined