THE +2 FOR BUSY FAMILIES

2008/10/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 October 2008

THE +2 FOR BUSY FAMILIES

Just 18 months old, the Nissan QASHQAI has created a real stir in the motoring world. Offering an alternative to traditional compact hatchbacks, QASHQAI was the first compact crossover to reach the showrooms. But as other car makers finally bring rival crossovers to market, Nissan moves the goalposts with QASHQAI+2, the first crossover conceived for busy families.

“QASHQAI’s combination of clever design, generous interior space and excellent driving dynamics introduced the crossover concept to the car buying public. Now comes the QASHQAI+2, a crossover with more space and seven seats aimed squarely at customers who are uninspired by people carriers or estate cars. The QASHQAI+2 will also cement Nissan’s position as the pioneer of crossovers.”

Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe

At a glance

§         Longer and taller than QASHQAI

§         Seven seats always on board for permanent flexibility

§         Stow away third row

§         Folding middle row

§         Under floor storage in larger load area

§         Unique styling features and extra standard equipment

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§         Diverse range:

·         Two petrol and two diesel models

·         Two- and four-wheel drive

·         Three trims and equipment levels

In its comparatively short life, the Nissan QASHQAI has redefined the way we think about conventional hatchbacks… simply because it is far from conventional. Its marriage of distinctive style and practicality has captured the imagination of European car buyers: more than 250,000 examples (to the beginning of September) have been sold since sales began in March 2007.

Fastest seller

Such has been its success – it’s the fastest selling model in the history of Nissan Europe – that a third shift has been implemented at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK) from July 2008 to cope with demand.

And the arrival of the QASHQAI+2 is certain to see a further rise in demand. Seen by Nissan as the first family crossover, the new QASHQAI+2 – with more space and a flexible seven-seat configuration – joins the original five-seat QASHQAI and the exciting all-new Murano to cement the company’s status as the ‘Crossover Brand.’

“QASHQAI, QASHQAI+2 and Murano are a formidable trio of cars spearheading the crossover sector of the market. QASHQAI has revitalised the hatchback market while Murano promises a new level of luxury and dynamic performance to buyers.

“With its seven seat configuration, QASHQAI+2 adds another dimension to the Nissan crossover offering,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan’s Vice President for Product Planning in Europe.

Design DNA

QASHQAI+2 shares clear family design DNA with the original, but is subtly different from virtually every angle. Created by designers at Nissan Design Europe in London’s Paddington, the new model is essentially identical to QASHQAI from the A-pillar forward… but everything else behind has been changed.

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Longer and taller than the original, QASHQAI+2 has been designed to provide greater interior space and more practicality. External changes include new front and rear doors, side glass, a new tailgate and new-look grille. A vast panoramic roof, some 140mm longer than that on QASHQAI, is a standard feature.

Additionally, QASHQAI+2 has roof rails and darkened privacy glass for all windows behind the front doors as standard on all models.

Luggage space

The third row of seats folds away on board when not in use, meaning they will always be with the car when needed. When stowed, potential luggage space rises to
550 litres, an increase of 140 litres over the original QASHQAI.

Designed for children or adults up to 1.6m tall, the angle of the third row backrest has seven adjustment settings to ensure comfort, while the middle three-seater bench now slides fore and aft to improve ingress and egress.

Mechanically, QASHQAI+2 follows the lead set by the original model with strut-type front suspension and a fully independent multi-link rear set-up. Suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight and payload potential, while steering assistance has also been retuned.

Chassis and transmission

Two versions of the chassis are available, offering the choice of front-wheel drive or sure-footed ALL MODE four-wheel drive, while there are 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and 1.5 and 2.0 dCi diesel models available, ranging from 115PS to 140PS (petrol) and 106PS to 150PS (diesel). Sales of the 1.6- and 1.5-litre versions will begin in January 2009.

Transmission options include a five-speed manual (1.6-litre petrol), six-speed manual (2.0 petrol and both diesels), six-speed automatic (4WD 2.0 dCi) and, uniquely in its class, a highly efficient CVT transmission option on the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol offering a choice between ‘stepless’ changes or a manual over-ride with six fixed ratios.

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Depending on grade, standard equipment includes automatic lighting, automatic wipers, speed sensitive door locking, cruise control, electric windows, parking sensors, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and Nissan’s Intelligent Key. Manual or automatic air conditioning incorporates mild flow ventilation while to provide sufficient airflow for the rearmost passengers, a larger compressor is fitted.

Safety equipment

All audio systems incorporate Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone integration allowing remote operation of the phone and caller ID display. QASHQAI+2 has the same safety equipment as the five-seat version, with six airbags (front, side and curtain), seat belt pretensioners in the front and active headrests.

Popular options include leather trim and the advanced satellite navigation system incorporating a seven-inch full colour display (which doubles as the display for the rear parking camera) and voice recognition.

“QASHQAI+2 adds a new dimension to the range and makes it even more versatile than the original. It will appeal not just to busy families, but also to anyone who appreciates its distinctive looks and commanding seating position as well as its extra space and flexibility,” said Pierre Loing.

ends…

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

All news releases and pictures can be downloaded from www.nissanpress.co.uk

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