2014 Nissan Qashqai launched

The Nissan Qashqai is currently the sixth most popular car in the UK, with over 44,000 examples registered this year alone. That kind of sales volume means a new version of the Sunderland-built crossover is an important occasion.

Still recognisably a Qashqai, the second-generation model sees a subtle shift in dimensions. Length and width have grown by 49 mm (1.9”) and 20 mm (0.8”) respectively, but overall height has shrunk by 15 mm (0.6”). Being slightly lower hasn’t affected headroom though, as in fact it’s fractionally greater than before.

There’s plenty of luggage space, too. Cargo capacity with the rear seats up is 430 litres, an increase of about 5% compared to the old Qashqai. The boot meanwhile features a dual-floor system that can be configured in 16 different ways.

Powering the Qashqai is a selection of four engines. The petrol line-up consists of 113 bhp (85 kW / 115 PS) 1.2 litre and 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 1.6 litre options, both of which are turbocharged.

Alternatively, diesel fans will have a choice of either 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) 1.5 litre or 128 bhp (96 kW / 130 PS) 1.6 litre dCi units. The latter is going to be available with the Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission as well as all-wheel drive.

Sales of the 2014 Nissan Qashqai are due to begin this coming February. Prices have yet to be announced.