Nissan QASHQAI On Sale March 2007

Add £1,500 regardless of engine size to move to Acenta grade or £3,000 for a Tekna model. Owners of 2.0-litre models can upgrade from two- to ALL-MODE four-wheel drive for added security and grip in poor conditions for an extra £1,600 while automatic (six-speed torque converter transmission on the 2.0dCi 4x4, CVT on the 2.0-litre petrol) is an extra £1,100. The most expensive model, therefore - an automatic Tekna 2.0dCi with ALL-MODE 4x4 - is £21,899.

So what do you get for your money? It might be an entry level model but the Visia grade is far from poorly equipped. Major standard safety equipment covers ABS plus BAS and EBD as well as front, side and curtain airbags. Personal security features include automatic door locking when the car is moving above walking pace and automatic operation of the hazard flashers during an emergency.

Also standard on Visia grade - and therefore on every QASHQAI - is Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. Once a Bluetooth-equipped mobile has been paired with the QASHQAI, calls can be made and received hands-free. The system automatically mutes the stereo when a call is in progress and can be operated via controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Other practical and comfort features include electric power steering, amber ambient interior lighting, a 60/40 folding rear bench, electrically adjustable door mirrors, height adjustable driver's seat, front armrest and all-round power windows.

There's also air conditioning - complete with a mild flow vent on the top of the dashboard which generates a gentle breeze across the cabin to the rear passengers - a trip computer and an AM/FM radio with single CD player. Outside, there are 16 inch alloy wheels while the door handles and mirrors are black.

Find £1,500 more and a QASHQAI owner can walk-up to an Acenta. That extra cash buys a host of extra luxury. The driver's seat gains lumbar support while the driver will grip a leather-covered steering wheel. And he or she will have less to do, thanks to the addition of automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and cruise control.

Parking is easier thanks to ultrasonic reversing 'bleepers' and electrically folding door mirrors while winter driving is eased by the addition of front fog lights. The air conditioning is upgraded to a fully automatic dual zone climate control system while the stereo now incorporates an in-dash six-disc autochanger and remote control. Finally, rear passengers gain a central armrest while would-be thieves should be aware there's an alarm system fitted.