Nissan’s new and improved Qashqai is now in production at its UK plant, complete with a more standout look and technology upgrades.

Nissan is continuing to redevelop the Sunderland site under its EV36Zero vision

It will be priced from £30,135 when orders open next month – up £3,000 due to grade changes – and the line-up will include a mild hybrid petrol engine or Nissan’s e-Power hybrid.

Launched on both the Qashqai and X-Trail in September 2022, the latter uses a pure electric motor with direct drive to the wheels, while the 1.5-litre petrol engine solely generates the electricity sent to the e-motor. This enables an instant, high torque and linear response more akin to an electric vehicle but without the need to charge.

All models feature get a new-look front-end with a grille inspired by the scales on ancient Japanese armour, along with revamped and sharper-looking headlights and daytime running lights. There’s a new gloss black finish for the profile while the rear gains redesigned taillights with a ‘boomerang’ line that runs through to create the dynamic indicator signal, aside a reshaped bumper.

The line-up also gets new diamond-cut alloy designs, colour choices and the arrival of the N-Design grade. Priced from £34,845, this sits in the middle of the range, delivering standout features, body-coloured details and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

The trim line-up also sees the departure of the former Visia grade – hence the £3,000 bump up in the starting price, followed by N-Connecta, the new N-Design grade, Tekna and Tekna+.

Trims choices and pricing

Interior design changes include a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and upgraded materials. Google Automotive Services and upgraded Around View Monitor technology are also added to most models, together with enhanced exterior lighting and updated alloy wheel options.

The arrival of in-built Google is a first for Nissan’s European line-up and provides access to Google Maps and Google Account, as part of the NissanConnect infotainment system.

The Around View Monitor safety feature has been significantly upgraded and now gains a 3D function that enables eight different external camera viewpoints – including from the top, front, rear, sides or corners – to potentially avoid hazards.

Drivers can also use the “invisible hood view” to see the position of the front wheels as if looking through the dashboard and engine bay, helping them to precisely manoeuvre in tight locations – a particular boon in places as multi-story car parks with concrete kerbs. This view uses machine learning to create the image based on what the front camera can see in front, with the wheels super-imposed into the view to give a sense of perspective.

Diana Torres, managing director of Nissan GB, said: “The original Qashqai pioneered the crossover vehicle category that is so popular with customers today and, over the last 18 years, it has become a hugely successful icon of the UK motoring industry.

“Its unique combination of design, performance and technology ensure it stays ahead of rivals and these latest upgrades will reinforce its place as one of the nation’s favourite new cars to buy.”

First launched in 2007 as the pioneer of the crossover revolution, the Qashqai is the fastest-selling car ever in the UK car industry.

The third-generation Qashqai launched in 2021 and has sold more than 350,000 units in Europe. The updated version arrives nearly 18 years ago the first model rolled off the production line in Sunderland.

The latest upgrades required a fresh £30m injection in the plant – including investment in facilities for new panels, bumpers, paint colours, interior features, materials and trim.

This builds on Nissan’s total investment in the UK of £6bn. The brand is continuing to redevelop the site under its EV36Zero vision that will bring together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production, and is intended to set a blueprint for the future of the automotive industry.

The work will revamp the plant to build future all-electric versions of the Qashqai and Juke crossovers, and the Leaf as part of plans for Nissan’s passenger car line-up in Europe to be 100% electric by 2030.