Prices and specifications have been announced for the new Nissan Qashqai – the car that redefines the crossover sector. With prices starting from just £17,595 the new Qashqai, which goes on sale in January 2014, is available in four familiar grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna.

Visia models, priced from £17,595, come with a range of new features including automatic air conditioning, Hill Start Assist, a five-inch colour HD infotainment screen, Chassis Control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and Speed Limiter/Cruise control all fitted as standard.

Acenta models continue the generous theme with a further list of premium features fitted as standard. Priced from £19,145, these include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, premium leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels and a Luggage Board System. Safety equipment includes front fog lamps, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

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Both the Visia and Acenta models come with the option of a Smart Vision Pack (£450) that adds Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield system among other driver aids. Designed to enhance the safety of occupants, the pack incorporates Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Acenta Premium models start from £20,995 and feature a raft of comfort and safety technologies. These include new-generation NissanConnect infotainment system with DAB radio. A rear view camera is also fitted as standard, along with i-key Start Push Button, parking sensors and a panoramic glass roof. Safety features include Front Collision Avoidance, High Beam Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Range-topping Tekna models – which start from £23,145 – feature an array of new-to-sector technologies that further highlight Nissan’s lead in the crossover market. For safety, Tekna models benefit from Bi-LED headlamps, Safety Shield with Traffic Signal Recognition and High Beam Assist.

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The line-up consists of four engines: two petrol and two diesel, with the option of two- or four-wheel-drive. Customers can also choose between manual and all-new Xtronic automatic transmissions. Driving through a six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level 1.2 DIG-T delivers 115PS and generates 190Nm of torque.

The 1.2 DIG-T engine emits 129g/km of COâ‚‚ (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and has a fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg. Like all engines in the new Qashqai range, the 1.2 DIG-T is equipped with Start/Stop ignition as standard.

Set to join the Qashqai range in Autumn 2014, the most powerful petrol engine will be the 1.6 DIG-T engine with 150PS. With 240Nm of torque on offer, the 1.6 DIG-T delivers impressive low and mid-range pull.

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The latest evolution of the award-winning 1.5 dCi 110PSdirect injection diesel engine is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine ever offered in a Qashqai with COâ‚‚emissions of just 99g/km and an EU combined fuel consumption figure of just 74.3mpg. The sixth-generation 1.5-litre dCi unit is smoother, more efficient and more refined than the outgoing engine. Thanks to a substantial re-engineering programme, the 1.5-litre dCi engine offers greater in-gear flexibility thanks to a 20Nm increase in torque.

Positioned at the top of the Qashqai’s diesel range, the 1.6 dCi 130PSis offered with the option of two- and four-wheel-drive. This unit is one of the most advanced diesel powerplants in its sector, with a number of technical innovations designed to maximise fuel consumption and reduce COâ‚‚ emissions.