Nissan reveals all-new Qashqai SUV (gallery)

Nissan has revealed the all-new Qashqai SUV ahead of its arrival in the Japanese carmaker's UK dealerships this Summer.

Based on the latest Renault-Nissan Alliance platform, the new Qashqai welcomes enhancements in practicality, efficiency and technology, with a new electrified 'E-Power' hybrid model set to be added to the line-up next year.

The new model is expected to go on sale in the UK in the Summer, with pricing, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption data available closer to its launch.

The first customers to place an order will experience the new Qashqai's full range of features thanks to the initial delivery of a limited-run Premier Edition trim level.

In its latest guise the Qashqai's wheelbase has increased by 20mm, providing extra legroom for rear seat passengers, while the overall length has grown by 35mm. There’s a marginal increase in height (25mm) and width has increased 32mm, making the new model larger overall.

Alongside a larger boot, with wipe clean removable floor panels, the new Qashqai offers enhanced practicality for families with rear doors that open almost 90-degrees.

Powering the new model is a revised version of the existing 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the last Qashqai. It now features 12v mild-hybrid technology, resulting in improved CO2 emissions by around 4g/km. Two versions will be available with 140PS and 160PS.

There will be no diesel variant on this generation of Qashqai, but the petrol line up will be offered with manual and automatic transmissions and a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive.

Next year an E-Power version will be added to the range. It will be driven by an electric motor but feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine to keep the battery charged. This model will be the most powerful with 190PS output.

Improvements to the interior provide a more premium feel than before, with an increase in soft-touch materials.

The dashboard layout has been completely revised. The Qashqai now features a fully-digital instrument cluster and is fitted with an all-new infotainment system with a ‘floating’ touchscreen that is greatly improved over the outgoing model.

Using a nine-inch high-resolution display, the system includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto while also offering in-car WiFi and remote Nissan Connect services via a smartphone app.

It works in conjunction with the digital instruments and new colour head-up display to provide the driver with an enhanced digital experience.

Nissan opted to retain physical buttons for functions like the climate control and driver aids, rather that follow the trend to integrate all of them into the touchscreen to simplify day-to-day tasks.

The Qashqai has been given a more modern look with a larger grille and slimmer LED headlights. Wheels of up to 20-inches in diameter are also now available, improving the proportions.

Upgrades to Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance system enable the car to adapt the new Qashqai’s speed based on data from road signs and the navigation system. It can also adapt to tighter corners and motorway slip roads.