New Nissan Qashqai

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to like the car that surely has more Qs in its name than any that has come before it, Nissan has given us one more reason to get excited about the Qashqai.

Soon, you’ll be able to buy a Pure Drive version of the popular SUV, meaning that the current 2.0 cDi engine will be replaced by a 1.6 version that offers better fuel economy and improved emission levels. Coupled with Nissan’s Stop/Start system, emissions from the Qashqai Pure Drive will be limited to around 119k/km.

A few other new features are also in the works, including a CVT gearbox and an Around View Monitor system, which is designed to make parking and nagivating tight spaces as easy as possible by giving the driver a real-time view of the car’s surrounds.

“After a little more than four-and-a-half years, we’ve built more than a million Qashqai and seven-seat Qashqai+2 models at our Sunderland factory,” said Trevor Mann, senior vice president, Nissan Europe.

“On average we build 1,200 examples every day, with more than 80 per cent of production exported from the UK. The new Pure Drive Qashqai, especially with innovative features like Stop/Stat System and the Around View Moniter, will cement our leadership of the Crossover segment.”

The introduction of the Stop/Start system will be delayed slightly due to a shortage of parts – a result of the earthquake in Japan earlier this year – but all models built from January onward are expected to be fitted with the system.

For more information, speak to a specialist dealer such as New Nissan Qashqai