THE fact that Qashqai sounds like ‘cash cow’ has long been more of an unimaginative rhyme than a clever jibe at the Nissan. It would seem, however, that in the decade since the small SUV – known here originally as the Dualis – was released, rivals seem to have read that definition as gospel.

Take one 4.5-metre-long five-door hatchback, add some ground clearance and body cladding, but leave the mechanicals unchanged and suddenly for many it became time to ka-ching in on the SUV boom. Now, as this second-generation Nissan Qashqai comes in for its first facelift, it faces newer rivals such as the Hyundai Kona and Toyota C-HR, plus older foes including the Honda HR-V.

Exterior changes are limited to a fresh front grille and headlight treatment, while the diesel has been ditched and a duo of new model grades added – specifically, the middle-tier ST-L and this N-TEC.

Each claims to offer more advanced active safety and luxury technology than equivalent middle-tier rivals, working in concert with a roomier interior than others in the class, and sportier suspension as part of this mid-life update. But is it enough to moo-ve the Qashqai well beyond newer rivals?