Nissan is showcasing its new Qashqai model to prospective buyers at VIP preview events hosted by its dealer network.

Selected customers are being invited to see the car ahead of its official on sale date in the summer.

A fleet of pre-production Qashqais are being used for the seven-week promotion, with up to 30 guests invited to each showroom.

One of the dealerships visited in the early weeks of the tour was Alexanders Nissan of York.

Darren Turner, general sales manager at Nissan of York, said: ‘‘The event was a great success and the reaction to the new car from our customers was overwhelmingly positive.

‘‘Our appointments were fully booked and we were delighted with the outcome and the eight orders we took at the event. All New Qashqai certainly impressed our team here too. If it drives as good as it looks, it will be fantastic.’’

At each VIP event, customers are treated to a “memorable” unveiling of the new car before viewing some augmented reality video content. Members of each dealership’s sales team are on hand to answer questions and provide assistance throughout.

The one-to-one appointments last around an hour and are fully compliant with Coronavirus safety measures.

Nicolas Verneuil, sales director at Nissan Motor (GB), said: ‘‘Since it defined the crossover category over ten years ago, and despite welcoming an ever-growing list of competitors, Qashqai remains the leader in the segment in terms of sales in the UK in the past year.

‘‘With this latest instalment, Nissan delivers ‘Qashqai-ness’ and evolves it, with notable improvements in fit and finish, infotainment software and connectivity, and electrified powertrains, including the first European application of Nissan’s much heralded e-POWER system.

‘‘Our dealers and VIP customers alike are all delighted to experience All New Qashqai. It’s a terrific car.’’ 

The third-generation Nissan Qashqai is available to order now, with prices starting at £23,535. From launch it will be exclusively offered with mild-hybrid petrol engines, a hybrid E-Power model will be added to the range next year.