In the current environmentally-conscious climate, all of us - even those who really do need to struggle up half a mile of rutted track to reach their front doors - are being forced to think long and hard about the ethical implications of 4x4 ownership. Completely unjustified though much of the criticism heaped on the trusty off-road vehicle may be, it has still had an impact on public opinion and 4x4s, particularly larger ones driving in towns, are now routinely frowned upon by the populace at large. If only we 4x4 fans could get the undoubted benefits of an offroad vehicle in a friendlier, less controversial package. Say hello to Nissan's Qashqai. The Qashqai looks well-equipped to do a great PR job for the 4x4 vehicle. It has the chunky styling that people warm to, the high ride height that aids visibility while helping you tackle high kerbs or speed humps and you can get it with four-wheel-drive for added grip in slippery conditions. On the other hand, the Qashqai is light, economical and nimble. It's also similar in size to a conventional family hatch. Nissan certainly have an interesting proposition on their hands here.

The Qashqai in no way pretends to be a 4x4 that's capable of besting difficult off-road terrain. This is sensible because even the compact 4x4s that do make such claims tend to get stuck or damaged pretty quickly when put to the test and most owners would never dream of getting them muddy anyway. Think of the Qashqai more as a high-riding family hatchback, a jacked-up Volkswagen Golf if you will, and you'll be on the right track. The entry-level models come with two-wheel drive only with 4x4 mechanicals becoming available as you ascend the range. The interior yields plenty of headroom for a spacious feel and leg room for passengers in the back is unlikely to cause complaint - it certainly beats most family hatchbacks. With three adults across the rear bench, it is a little snug but smaller children won't have a problem fitting in and there's a big boot behind to take luggage or shopping. On the safety front, Nissan have provided front, side and curtain airbags as part of the basic package which is very commendable. Buyers will need to pay extra for stability control however. Nissan's have a good and well-deserved reputation for reliability, and the quality of construction in the Qashqai's cabin really stands out so buyers can do so with confidence.

High kerbs and rogue traffic calming measures are all taken in the Qashqai's stride thanks to its increased ride height and tough suspension. You also get a good view around the front end for parking and driving in areas where space is tight. Rear visibility isn't as good with the window line rising up at the back making for a smaller glass area and thick pillars down the sides of the tailgate. The Qashqai is really comfortable on the open road with the suspension soaking up the bumps in a measured manner. When cornering, you'll experience more lean in the body than in hatchbacks that sit much lower to the road but at sensible speeds, the difference is pretty slight. The steering is quite hefty and this may not be to everyone's taste but it's also accurate and there's none of the twitchiness you can get at speed in cars with lighter set-ups. I tried the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine with 104bhp and it had plenty of guts for getting the Qashqai up hills and smartly away from the lights. I suspect that those seeking a really sporty drive will feel a bit short changed by this engine and may want to upgrade to the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel options - the only units offered with four-wheel-drive. To be honest though, the Qashqai is quite a lump, especially with that 4x4 transmission installed, so performance is never going to be all that fiery. My diesel sounded a little rough around the edges but when it returns 52mpg on the combined cycle, you can't really complain. Besides, that kind of economy and the 145g/km emissions give you the perfect retorts when people see you in what appears to be a 4x4 and question your environmental credentials. My Qashqai pumped out less carbon than a 1.4-litre Ford Focus and used less fuel than a 1.0-litre Chevrolet Matiz. Put that in your pipe and smoke it! On second thoughts, don't. You'll only contribute to the greenhouse effect.

If you value those 4x4 looks and the advantages that the higher ride height affords in urban areas, the Qashqai makes a very good alternative to a run-of-the-mill hatchack. It's an original but very well-conceived product that isn't quite as tidy on the road as the best hatches but comes close and represents a much more individual choice. If you're considering a fully-fledged compact 4x4 but never plan on using its offroad capabilities, the Qashqai makes a very attractive compromise.