Nissan Qashqai

As Nissan's Qashqai goes into production in the UK this week, the firm has high hopes for its newcomer. Assembly of the compact crossover began on Tuesday at the firm's Sunderland plant.

But that's not the only reason why it's a truly British motor, say company bosses. A spokesman added: "It's arguably the most exciting family car that's been designed, engineered and built in the UK in recent years."

The manufacturer expects to roll 500 Qashqais off its Wearside production line every day and has big ambitions to sell 15,000 examples in the UK next year.

The spokesman added that additional cars will be exported to countries as far away as Japan.