In an unheard of move...
In an unheard of move, the company has allowed journalists to sample pre-production versions of the crucial new model to ensure its driving dynamics are talked about as much as its looks.
It gained 37 points...
It gained 37 points - nearly 100 per cent - in the front, side and pole impact assessments to get its five-star score. The Qashqai also got four stars for child occupant protection and two in the pedestrian test.
To widen the car"s appeal, Nissan is to add a long-wheelbase seven-seat version. A spokesman said: "We are looking at a few things with the Qashqai, but the long-wheelbase car is the most likely to make production."
The larger model will allow the firm to compete in the compact MPV class, tempting buyers out of bigger seven-seater rivals. But the long-wheelbase Qashqai isn"t the only model Nissan is preparing to launch. Auto Express can reveal that the previous-generation flat-bed Navara is going to be re-introduced next year as some customers don"t think the current machine looks rugged enough. However, with the more luxurious Pathfinder-style Navara now using the familiar badge, the resurrected Nissan will need a new name. This has yet to be decided, but could be as simple as Pick-up.