New Nissan Qashqai N-Tec with Tech-Savvy Upgrades

For 2009, Nissan is adding a new trim option to its UK bound Qashqai and Qashqai+2 (that's the seven-seater model) compact crossovers. Positioned between Acenta and Tekna grades, the n-tec trim level is available across all engines and transmissions. As the name suggests, the n-tec is all about tech-savvy goodies that include Nissan's Connect infotainment system that comprises color reversing camera, bluetooth connectivity, five-inch touch screen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map, CD with MP3/WMA playback, radio, AUX socket and USB port for full iPod connection.

Large 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, satin silver roof rails and satin silver door handles along with an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver alloy pedals complete the equipment package.

Prices for the n-tec models range from £17,645 for the Qashqai 1.6 to £24,295 for the Qashqai 2.0d 4WD Auto with first deliveries expected in early May.

2010 Nissan Qazana Small Crossover: Production Model Rendered

At this month's Geneva Motor Show, Nissan took off the covers on the Qazana, an out-of-space concept study that supposedly previews the design of an all-new sub-Qashqai small crossover that is bound to enter production at the company's Sunderland factory in the UK in 2010. While we can't say how close or far the concept is from reality, the folks over at Japan's Best Car magazine attempted to give us an idea of the production Qazana with this artist's impression.

Our take? For Nissan's sake, we sincerely hope that the actual production model will look much better than both the rendering and the concept study... For more information and eye-soring photos on the Qazana Concept, click here.

Photo: Best Car

Nissan Releases Teaser Shot of Qazana Small Crossover Concept

The undisputed star of the Nissan stand at next month's Geneva Show will be the Qazan Concept which promises to provide a good indication of the, as yet unnamed, small crossover that the Japanese automaker is readying for production at its UK Sunderland plant from 2010. While the first official teaser shot of the car leaves a lot to the imagination, Nissan did reveal that the Qazan is a five-door model with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of 'suicide doors'.

Nissan said that the trial builds of the production version will begin in early 2010 before its introduction on the Micra/Note line. There it will take up manufacturing capacity created when production of the current Micra ends later that same year.

Trevor Mann, Nissan Senior Vice President for Manufacturing in Europe, commented: "The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune. As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year."