Nissan revises Qashqai for 2011

The European Nissan Qashqai (Dualis in international markets) crossover has been revised again...but this time it’s under the bonnet.

Around 40% of Qashqai customers plump for the 1.6 litre petrol engine. Power has been upped from 113bhp to 115bhp and Nissan has now included a stop/start system as a £200 option. Buyers opting for the stop/start will benefit from a drop of one VED tax band.

On the diesel side, particulate filters are now standard, making all engines abide by EuroV emissions regulations. The 1.5 dCi power is upped from 105bhp to 108bhp.

As well as tweaking the engines, the popular n-tec grade now includes Nissan Connect satellite navigation system w/colour reversing camera, panoramic glass roof, privacy glass and 18” alloy wheels, previously a £400 option, as standard.

Nissan has also created a £250 Chrome Pack, which chromes the door handles, fog lamp surrounds and side strips and adds door and tailgate entry guards and carpet mats.

The changed Qashqai and Qashqai+2 range is available to order from the dealer now, with first deliveries beginning in October.

Press Release:

One of the best selling cars in the UK has just got even better - for both drivers and the environment -with a range of upgrades making the British built model more appealing than ever.

Many enhancements feature where they really matter - beneath the bonnet. Stop/Start features for the first time as an option on 1.6 litre petrol variants. This fuel saving and emissions reducing system not only makes the Qashqai an even greener choice, it also drops it down one VED tax band.

In the diesel line-up every model now benefits from diesel particulate filter technology with the addition of DPF to the 1.5-litre dCi engine. But these green diesel improvements have not come at the expense of power. In fact, the 1.5 dCi’s output has increased from 106PS to 110PS.

What is more, all engines in the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 ranges are now compliant with EURO V emissions regulations.

Representing over 40% of Qashqai sales, the 1.6 petrol Qashqai will now benefit from an increased output of 117PS and 158Nm of torque (up from 115PS and 156Nm). Furthermore, the frugal four-cylinder will also be available with a Stop/Start System for the first time.

For just £200 over standard models, the advanced system automatically stops the engine when the driver pulls to a standstill and puts the car in neutral, starting automatically when the clutch is pressed enabling you to pull away. This not only improves fuel economy by up to 3% but also drops the Qashqai down one VED tax band. The Stop/Start System reduces Qashqai emissions from 144g/km to 139g/km and Qashqai+2 from 154g/km to just 149g/km.

Elsewhere in the range the ever-popular n-tec grade is set to become even more tempting. The luxurious standard equipment list of Nissan Connect (an advanced combined satellite navigation and audio system), a colour reversing camera, a panoramic glass roof, privacy glass and more is enhanced with a number of new additions.

Previously a £400 option, 18-inch alloy wheels are now fitted as standard to all n-tec models, trimmed in an exclusive black and silver finish. Drivers can also choose a new Chrome Pack option. For only £250, the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 n-tec are enhanced with chrome door handles, chrome fog lamp surrounds and chrome side strips. Inside, the pack also includes door and tailgate entry guards and carpet mats.

Nissan’s UK MD, Paul Willcox comments: “Anything we do to the Qashqai is always significant news for Nissan – this is our best selling model on its home turf here in the UK. Its continued success is great news for UK manufacturing and everyone at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant.”

Available to order from Nissan’s UK dealer network now, first deliveries of the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 Model Year 2011 will begin in October.