Nissan plugs its new SUV

04th September 2009

Here’s the proof that Nissan’s big-selling Qashqai is heading for a mid-life makeover – and it’s set to return as a hybrid!

Introduced in 2007, the British-built, family-oriented crossover has already proved popular among buyers, thanks to its chunky SUV looks and car-like road manners.

But now there are a raft of improvements on the way to make the car even more desirable.

Nissan is aiming to turn it into an eco-friendly machine, so a petrol-electric model is set to arrive early next year.

This will replace the traditional four-wheel-drive transmission with an electric motor powering one axle and a petrol engine working the other.

The firm will also concentrate on a range of greener engines, which will take their cues from Nissan’s ECO series range.

Expect to see a continuously variable transmission, regenerative braking, improved aerodynamics and eco-driving systems such as a gearchange indicator.

Our latest spy shots show test mules with heavily disguised front ends, hinting at a new, more aggressive nose is on the way.

Meanwhile, camouflage at the rear obscures a new set of lights that will complete the Qashqai’s update.

Prices for the new range are to be confirmed – but insiders suggest a modest rise to £14,000 for entry-level models.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.