If I were to suggest any slight changes to the brilliant package that comprises this limited-edition Qashqai 2.0 N-Tec, they'd be minor. Like maybe a 2.5-litre engine under that marvellous bonnet, just for added voomah.
And then move the wing mirror adjustment knobs from that rather impractical position to the right of the steering wheel, where they're too low to be properly visible.
Other than that - nice, very nice, Nissan. But I'm not surprised. Nissan has a reputation for building unbeatable, highly reliable, hardy, lovely to drive - and pretty much always affordable - SUV's and off-road vehicles.
The X-Trail is everywhere and you can't pick up a second-hand example for love nor money.
The Qashqai is gorgeous - always has been - and has quickly built up a large fan base in South Africa. When I first drove one, a 1.6 back in December 2007, I fell in love with it.
Now, in this limited-edition version (there're only 200 of them available, so snap yours up now), it's better than ever.
The manufacturer's description sums it up in a nutshell: "Bold, assertive, standing tall and looking tough. It confidently kicks out conventions and commands respect with a unique driver design, class leading space and uncompromising performance and safety."
Striking two-tone leather, big seats guarantee no hardship on long journeys. They're so comfy, in fact, they're like your favourite armchair.
The N-Tec sports burnished-metal roof rails, diamond-cut, 10-spoked 18" alloy rims and a smooth, quiet ride with top-drawer suspension to make your journey even more enjoyable.
As I said, I would've liked a slightly bigger engine because, when I needed a burst of power up a steep hill, I'd find myself switching off the aircon for added performance.
The two-litre engine is rated at 102kW and 198Nm which is great on straight open roads and around town, but
I found the (optional extra) info/sound system too complicated. Naturally the children found the TV button on the remote and I was clueless when it came to clicking it back to radio, so wound up sitting in gridlocked traffic to the accompaniment of my daughter's favourite, Takalane Sesame. Eish!
And on a tearoom run with a colleague, I was forced to leave her in the car back at the office so she could watch the end of a gripping episode of Sunset Beach! I'm also not sure why, unlike other cars with TVs, this one doesn't automatically switch off when the car's moving.
Oh and guys, I said it then and I'll say it again: the name is pronounced Cashkai, not kwashkai. It's the name of a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe in Iran (the south-western end) near the lesser-known Zagros mountains.