Qashqai shows new face

By Luke Madden

01st September 2009

Nissan's compact SUV crossover, the Qashqai, has been spied sporting its first major facelift since its release in 2007.

These latest spy-shots show a heavily disguised front end, hiding an all new front fascia along with a rear end obscuring a new set of rear lights. Although no interior re-fresh is visble in these shots, expect a couple of updates in the cabin when the car is released.

Meanwhile, under the bonnet Nissan will continue to improve their green credentials with a range of more environmentally friendly engines which will take their cues from Nissan's ECO series engines. Expect Continuosly Variable Transmission, a regenerative braking system, improved aerodynamics and eco-driving support to make it onto certain versions of the new crossover SUV.    

The re-designed Qashqai will go on sale in Europe in summer next year with prices starting at around £16,000. Later on in 2010 Nissan will update the seven-seater version of the crossover SUV, the Qashqai+2.

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