NISSAN aims to leave the opposition trailing in its wake with the latest incarnation of its popular Qashqai range.
The next evolution for the top selling crossover comes in the form of an all-new diesel engine offering reduced emissions of 129g/km along with improved performance.
The Japanese company’s new 1.6-litre dCi turbodiesel engine – available from next month - replaces the current 2.0dCi unit in both the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 models.
Along with its stablemates also producing less than 130g/km, the 1.6 dCi sports Nissan’s Pure Drive badge.
Early next year Nissan plans to add its latest Stop/Start system, automatically turning off the engine when stationary, further bringing down the Qashqai’s emissions to 119g/km.
Upshot of the revision is a 31 per cent improvement in fuel economy to a Combined 62.8mpg, while the first year’s Vehicle Excise Duty is free of charge.
Company car drivers will also enjoy savings thanks to a benefit in kind tax banding of 13 per cent for Stop/Start versions.
Nissan’s GB chief Jim Wright said: “Current financial pressures for both the individual and company car buyers mean costs are constantly being analysed so it is good to see how Nissan’s technical innovations, introduced on this engine, help to minimise overall running costs.”
In addition to the new diesel, the revamped Qashqai also receives extra kit including - for the first time in its class - Around View Monitor, which will be fitted as standard to all Qashqai and Qashqai+2 Tekna variants.
Working with the Nissan Connect touchscreen navigation system, it adds three cameras to the Qashqai’s existing rear view system to create a 360-degree view.
Qashqai prices start at £16,495 for the 1.6 Visia petrol model and the new 1.6 dCi will cost from £19,445, which is £250 cheaper than the outgoing 2.0-litre diesel.