Nissan's latest Qashquai SUV delivers for both drivers and the UK job market

NOW here is a very smart looking Nissan Qashqai quite resplendent in its Magnetic Blue livery.

- BY MAGGIE BARRY

But here's the thing. When I check the price of this big family SUV, I realise this lovely colour much as I adore it - has pushed my N-DESIGN model over £40,000 and into the luxury car bracket which means a Vehicle Excise Duty surcharge of £410 after the first year.

I say this not to have a go at Nissan, which makes exceedingly fine cars but just as a signal to buyers to watch what you specify on any car.

In particular, many electric cars slide in above £40,000 and there are a whole raft of cars in this price bracket aimed at the private buyer.

However, back to the Qashqai which, after the premium paint job is taken off, comes in under the luxury limit at £39,730.