On sale from 1st February 2014, the new model has big shoes to fill. The original Qashqai has been credited with founding the crossover segment and has been bought by over 2.0 million customers.

Said to signal the start of the second generation of crossovers, the new Qashqai is built on the new CMF (Common Module Family) platform from the Renault-Nissan Alliance and is 20mm wider, 49mm longer and 15mm lower than the current car. Nissan adds that despite this reduction in height, front and rear headroom levels have actually increased by 10mm and the raised driving position has been retained. Meanwhile luggage capacity rises by 20 litres to 430 litres with the rear seats in position. Load space flexibility has also been improved with a tailgate that now opens 150mm higher and includes a dual-floor system.

The new model, which is being built in Sunderland in the UK, features a more poised design and adds in new features including a clamshell-style bonnet whilst retaining some of the current model’s styling cues.

Inside, there’s new features such as a new ambient lighting system, seats designed using science to minimise fatigue, a USB port in the central box that allows passengers to operate their device outside the box without having to force the lid shut and deeper cupholders, whilst the use of an electronic parking brake also frees up valuable cabin space.

Driver technology is a key focus and the new model offers a range of new features including updated Safety Shield technologies that now incorporate Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition along with several other vital driver aids, while Intelligent Park Assist has also been added.

The engine line-up has been expanded and sees the use of turbocharging and Start/Stop ignition as standard on every unit, helping to offer emissions said to be class-leading and starting from 99g/km. The model also offers improved aerodynamics whilst efficiency is further enhanced by an extensive mass reduction programme, resulting in 40kg weight loss on some models despite addition of new equipment.

The line-up consists of four engines: two petrol and two diesel, with the option of two- or four-wheel-drive. Customers can also choose between manual and all-new Xtronic automatic transmissions.

The line-up includes the entry-level 1.2 DIG-T 113bhp petrol, which offers sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine whilst also offering improved efficiency at 129g/km of CO2 (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and fuel consumption of 50.4mpg.

From autumn next year, this will be joined by a 1.6 DIG-T 148bhp engine, designed for sharp performance with low emissions and remarkable fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption is 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are 132g/km.

The entry-level diesel take the form of an updated version of the 108bhp 1.5 dCi, which offers a 20Nm increase in torque along with improved NVH. Emissions are down to 99g/km whilst combined mpg is 74.3mpg.

Finally, there’s a 128bhp 1.6 dCi is offered with the option of two and four-wheel-drive. In two-wheel-drive manual form, the 1.6 dCi has CO2 emissions of 115g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of 64.2mpg. There’s also a version with a Xtronic CVT gearbox that offers stepped gear changes under hard acceleration. This emits 119g/km and returns 61.4mpg, while the four-wheel-drive manual version enjoys figures of 129g/km and 57.6mpg.

According to reports, Nissan is not expected to launch a new version of the seven-seat Qashqai+2, instead using the X-Trail to plug the gap.

Prices for the new Qashqai have not yet been announced.

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