Cars

New generation Qashqai goes on sale

Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai

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.

Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai

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.