New Nissan Qashqai N-Tec with Tech-Savvy Upgrades

For 2009, Nissan is adding a new trim option to its UK bound Qashqai and Qashqai+2 (that's the seven-seater model) compact crossovers. Positioned between Acenta and Tekna grades, the n-tec trim level is available across all engines and transmissions. As the name suggests, the n-tec is all about tech-savvy goodies that include Nissan's Connect infotainment system that comprises color reversing camera, bluetooth connectivity, five-inch touch screen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map, CD with MP3/WMA playback, radio, AUX socket and USB port for full iPod connection.

Large 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, satin silver roof rails and satin silver door handles along with an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver alloy pedals complete the equipment package.

Prices for the n-tec models range from £17,645 for the Qashqai 1.6 to £24,295 for the Qashqai 2.0d 4WD Auto with first deliveries expected in early May.

Nissan Releases Teaser Shot of Qazana Small Crossover Concept

The undisputed star of the Nissan stand at next month's Geneva Show will be the Qazan Concept which promises to provide a good indication of the, as yet unnamed, small crossover that the Japanese automaker is readying for production at its UK Sunderland plant from 2010. While the first official teaser shot of the car leaves a lot to the imagination, Nissan did reveal that the Qazan is a five-door model with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of 'suicide doors'.

Nissan said that the trial builds of the production version will begin in early 2010 before its introduction on the Micra/Note line. There it will take up manufacturing capacity created when production of the current Micra ends later that same year.

Trevor Mann, Nissan Senior Vice President for Manufacturing in Europe, commented: "The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune. As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year."

Nissan Adds Two New Engines to Qashqai+2 Crossover Range

In an effort to make the Qashqai+2 more affordable and desirable in an era of sluggish sales, Nissan is introducing two new smaller displacement engines to the vehicle's European range. The seven-seater crossover can now be specified with a 115HP 1.6-litre petrol and a 103HP 1.5-litre diesel engine, in addition to the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units that are already available. The 1.5-litre dCi models that come complete with diesel particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, are capable of 49.6 mpg UK (5.7 lt /100km) combined while clocking a 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) time of 13.3 seconds.

The Qashqai+2 1.6L petrol model that's equipped with a five-speed manual sees 62 mph (100 km/h) coming up in 12.9 seconds while it achieves 40.4 mpg UK (7.0 lt /100km) combined.

In the U.K. prices start at £15,495 for the 1.6 Visia, and £16,995 for the 1.5 dCi Visia. In Visia spec buyers get a huge fixed panoramic glass roof complete with powered sunshade, privacy glass and roof bars plus power windows, air conditioning, drive computer, Bluetooth hands-free, four-speaker CD audio system, six airbags and front seat active headrests. 16 inch alloys are fitted in place of the 17 inch items of 2.0-litre Qashqai+2s.

Acenta models gain 17 inch alloys, a leather trimmed steering wheel and manual gear knob, a centre rear armrest and a choice of interior trim colours. Furthermore, the audio system is upgraded to an in-dash six-disc autochanger, six speakers and steering wheel controls and the air con becomes dual zone and climate controlled. Automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and rear parking sensors complete the package.

Finally, the top of the range Tekna adds heated, leather seats with contrasting stitching, an Intelligent Key, xenon headlamps and an auto-dimming interior mirror. ESP is an option on all 1.5 and 1.6 models.

NISSAN QASHQAI+2 PRICES
	1.6 petrol	1.5dCi
Visia	£15,495.00	£16,995.00
Acenta	£16,995.00	£18,495.00
Tekna	£18,120.00	£19,620.0