Nissan is adding a larger seven-seat option to its Qashqai range which will get its global debut at the London Motor Show in July.

The Qashqai +2 has an extended wheelbase by 135 mm – taking it to 2,765 mm. The overall length of Qashqai +2 has risen to 4,526 mm, an increase of 211mm over the five-seat version.

To ensure there’s enough headroom in the third set of seats, the roofline has been lengthened and re-profiled at the rear of car, adding 38mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm.

The third row of seats is designed for children or as occasional seats for small adults up to about 1.6m tall. They can be completely flat to increase luggage space. The seats split on a 50/50 basis and each can be folded away by pulling on a single strap.

Like the original Qashqai, the +2 has been designed and engineered in Europe and will be built at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland. A third shift will be added in June to meet demand.

The Qashqai +2 is due to go on sale throughout Europe in October.

Pierre Loing, vice president, product planning, Nissan Europe, said: "While some sales will come from current or potential Qashqai owners, we are confident the majority will be conquest sales from owners currently stuck with a conventional compact MPV."

Qashqai+2 pricing and UK line-up details will be announced at London Motor Show on July 23.