Nissan Qashqai+2 Seven Seater Revealed For 2008
Just as its competitors start to catch up with the segment defining Qashqai, Nissan has already moved the goalposts. The award winning, top selling Compact Crossover has expanded its line-up with a seven-seat version. Named Qashqai+2, the newest Nissan builds on the success of the original Qashqai by adding space and versatility to create the first Family Crossover.
Whilst the design themes of the original remain, the Qashqai's proportions have been subtly altered to allow for the extra space inside. The wheelbase has been extended by 135mm, the overall length has grown by 211mm and the roof height has risen by 38mm. This makes room inside for a third row of extra seats which fold flat into the floor, as well as under floor storage areas, both of which help increas load space to nearly 500 litres which is around 90 litres more than the five-seat Qashqai.
All these changes mean that astonishingly the Qashqai+2 is unique from the A-pillar back. Both front and rear doors have been restyled, the window frames of the front door are squarer in line with the re-profiled roofline, while the rear pair are completely new being longer and with squarer window frames than the five-seat Qashqai. Other styling changes include larger side windows at the rear and a new tailgate with deeper rear window and revised bumper profile.
A huge panoramic glass roof is standard and the fixed roof is 140mm longer than the equivalent sunroof offered on the five-seat Qashqai. It also has a one-touch electrically operated sunshade. Roof rails and darkened privacy glass for all windows behind the front doors are also standard.
Seven seat practicality combined with the standard model's impressive dynamics, which have been maintained by slight revisions to the suspension and steering to compensate for the increase in weight, are sure to worry market rivals.
Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe states 'Qashqai has become an instant success in Europe. Its distinctive style appeals to buyers seeking something different: but that's only part of the story. Dynamic design, generous interior space, top quality materials and genuine driving enjoyment all contribute to make Qashqai a huge European success. Now comes the seven-seat Qashqai+2 to add a new dimension to the range… and to ensure Nissan continues to offer something no other manufacturer in the market segment can match.'
Steve Shaw, General Manager of Holdcroft Nissan in Crewe, Cheshire, says 'The new +2 is fantastic. By combining innovative design and technology with the legendary Nissan DQR - Durability, Quality and Reliability, the brand goes from strength to strength.'
Designed in Europe and built in the UK at Nissan's Sunderland plant the Qashqai+2 will make its debut at the London Motor Show in July 2008 before going on sale in the UK in October. It is thought that the new car will cost about £1300 more than the five-seat version which it will be available alongside. Buyers of both variants have the choice of two petrol and two diesel engines in either two or four-wheel drive form and a number of trim levels.
To see official pictures of the new model click on the link below:
www.qashqai+2.co.uk
To contact Holdcroft Nissan you can call the Crewe branch on 01782 531000 or the Stoke branch on 01782 204040. Either team would be delighted to hear from you and arrange test-drives in the current Nissan range.
