Around 130,000 will be produced in Sunderland, alongside the Note, Primera, Micra and Micra C+C, potentially increasing total annual volume to around 400,000 units by the end of 2007 – a plant record.
Vice president of UK Manufacturing, Trevor Mann, said: “This is a very important day for our plant as Qashqai will spearhead Nissan’s drive for sustained, profitable growth in Europe.
“I would also like to thank both national and local government and regional development agencies for their continued support, as well as the unstinting efforts of all our suppliers.”
Nissan has invested €322.8m (£218m) in the Qashqai at Sunderland and production of the new model has secured more than 3,000 jobs at the plant and within the regional supply chain. It has also created 200 temporary and 100 trainee posts at the plant.
Around 80% of Qashqai production will be exported, the majority for sale within Europe. The car will also be shipped to numerous overseas markets such as the Middle East, Australia, South Africa as well as Japan – making it only the second Sunderland-built model to be exported to the Japanese market. The first being the 1996 model Primera.
From today, the car will ramp up to full production volume in four weeks, ensuring dealers across Europe are fully stocked ready for the car’s sale date at the end of February 2007.
Customers will be able to choose between three trim grades and four engine options. Two petrol units, a 1.6 and 2.0-litre, will be available in February, as will a 1.5 diesel. An new 2.0 diesel engine will join the line up from April next year.
Price list and full specification below:
| Qashqai Visia 1.6 (115ps/160Nm) | £13,499 | |
| Qashqai Visia 1.5dCi (106ps/240Nm) | £14,599 (i.e. 1.6 plus £1,100) | |
| Qashqai Visia 2.0 (140ps/200Nm) | £14,899 (i.e. 1.6 plus £1,400) | |
| Qashqai Visia 2.0dCi (150ps/320Nm) | £16,199 (i.e. 1.6 plus £2,700) | |
Standard on Visia models
ABS + BAS + EBD
Electric power steering (EPS)
ESP (2.0-litres models only)
Front, side and curtain airbags
Power windows (front and rear)
60/40 split folding rear seat
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Front arm rest
Electrically adjustable door mirrors
Automatic locking
Automatic hazard flashers
16 inch alloy wheels
Trip computer
Radio/single disc CD player
Air conditioning
Bluetooth connectivity
Amber ambient lighting
Standard on Acenta models
As Visia, plus
Rain sensing wipers
Automatic headlamps
Driver’s seat lumbar support
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Remote radio control
In dash six disc CD autochanger
Front fog lamps
Dual zone climate control
Electric folding door mirrors
Body colour door mirrors and handles
Cruise control
Alarm
Ultrasonic rear parking alert
Rear armrest
Extra cost: £1,500
Standard on Tekna model
As Acenta, plus
Glass panoramic roof
17 inch alloy wheels
Auto dimming mirror
Full leather seats
Heated front seats
Intelligent key
Xenon headlamps and washers
Extra cost: £1,500
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