THE new version of Nissan's Qashqai family favourite has gone on sale.
Previous generations have been huge hits for Nissan, and the Qashqai can stake a claim as the crossover pioneer which signalled the start of the SUV explosion.
Heading the new range is a limited-run Premiere Edition.
It's richly equipped, and uses a 1.3-litre petrol engine with either 138bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox or 156bhp and an automatic transmission.
The manual Premiere Edition is priced from £29,275 and the auto from £31,795.
The standard Qashqai trim levels start at Visia and rise through Acenta Premium, N-Connecta and Tekna to Tekna+.
For now, a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol with either 138bhp or 156bhp is offered. The more powerful engine can be specified with four-wheel-drive and an automatic transmission.
Prices start at £23,535 for the Visia and from £26,135 for an Acenta Premium.
The N-Connecta is priced from £28,305, the Tekna from £30,845 and the Tekna+ from £34,175.
The most expensive version at the moment is a Tekna+ with 156bhp, four-wheel-drive and automatic transmission; it costs from £37,835.
Nissan GB managing director Andrew Humberstone said the Qashqai had been the class best-seller since 2007.
"Now with the arrival of the third generation model, Nissan is setting a new crossover standard for distinctive design, dynamic handling and advanced technologies, all at an accessible and attractive price point," he said.
