Nissan has taken the wraps off the third-generation model of the Qashqai; the pioneering car that started the crossover revolution.

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Revealed at an exclusive event attended by Fleet World, it’s the first Nissan to use the new Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CFM-C platform, which makes it 35mm longer, 25mm taller and 32mm wider compared to the outgoing model.

According to a Nissan spokesperson, this will help differentiate the new Qashqai from the smaller Juke; athough some trade-up from Juke customers is expected.

Like the current Qashqai, no diesel versions will be offered. Instead, it will be powered by 1.3 DiG-T 12V mild hybrid petrol engines at launch, in 138 and 156hp variants. These are a development of the current engines and offer the choice of two- and four-wheel drive, plus manual and Xtronic automatic transmissions.

Later the Qashqai will be the first model to be offered with Nissan’s innovative 187hp, 1.5-litre e-Power full hybrid petrol.

There will be no PHEV or full EV version of the Qashqai; that job will be taken by the incoming, all-electric Ariya – a slightly smaller model than the Qashqai.

Outside, the shape is all-new but there are some familiar features, including the Nissan family styling cues of the large grille and sweeping light signature – which on top models will feature clever matrix LED technology.

The car we looked at had the new 20-inch alloy wheel option, although standard models will be offered with 17- or 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a new, larger 9-inch central screen for the infotainment system with NissanConnect Services and features including wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen takes care of the instruments in front of the driver.

Other fleet-friendly new Qashqai interior features include a 10.8-inch head-up display fitted as standard across the range. Whilst many other manufacturers have chosen to remove physical buttons from the interior of their cars – with mixed success – Nissan has chosen to keep the ventilation controls and short cuts for the infotainment.

The car we viewed was a range-topper and really showed off the claimed uplift in interior quality – employing diamond-stitched leather trim and soft-touch plastics everywhere. It also showed the increase in size; the extra 28mm knee room in the back is much welcome.

Nissan has also listened to feedback from current Qashqai owners in the design of the third-generation car. This can be seen in the rear doors – which open wider – and extra lights in the spacious boot.

The Qashqai is also equipped with the next generation of ProPilot driver assistance partnered with the Xtronic transmission – enabling the Qashqai to accelerate and brake itself within a single lane. Additional safety comes in the form of Nissan’s Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with predictive function. Using radar technology, sensors are able to read the road in front of the car and apply the brakes if the car in front suddenly stops. This system will also apply the brakes to reduce the likelihood of a collision.

There’s also an innovative central airbag which deploys between the front seats to prevent the driver and passenger, making contact in the event of a side impact.

No trim level details or pricing have been released, but we are told price changes will be incremental over the current car when the new Qashqai launches in the summer.