Nissan is going to market with a new Qashqai, dubbed the Qashqai+2 because it has extra seating for about to at the extreme rear. To be shown in public for the first time at the London Motor Show, the Qashqai+2 could follow the extremely popular original Qashqai – over 170,000 sold in Europe since launch. Thanks to that Nissan is to employ a third shift at its plant in Sunderland, UK to keep up with demand.
Designed to be identical to original Qashqai only up to the A-pillar, the Qashqai+2 has an extended wheelbase, extended by 135mm while its overall length and height go up by 211mm and 38mm respectively. Overall weight also increases by 100kg because of the extra size and seats. The two extra seats can fold down flat to create the space required for a “boot”. Anyone up to a height of 1.6m can sit comfortably there, therefore those larger than hobbits may find things a little cramped at the far end.
The four engines comprise of a 1.6-litre petrol with 84kW and 160Nm, and a 2.0-litre of 103kW and 200Nm of torque. On the diesel front we have the Renault-Nissan alliance 1.5 dCi with 78kW and 240Nm, plus the range-topping 2.0dCi with a Bosch piezoelectric-controlled injection system making 110kW and 320Nm. They can be matched to a 5-speed manual for the 1.6, 6-speed manual on both 2.0-litres, a 6-speed automatic for the 4WD 2.0 dCi and a CVT in the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol.
Nissan is soon to replace the first generation Murano, so until then Qashqai+2 may be the crossover vehicle of choice for Nissan fans.
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