First look at the new city-built Qashqai

The world is getting a first look at what the new model of the Nissan Qashqai will look like once it comes off the production line of the car giant’s Sunderland factory.

The third generation of the model will be produced on Wearside, helping to secure the future of its workers and the supply line to the plant.

As confirmed late last year, the site will produce the new e-POWER model, a hybrid vehicle, following on from a £400 million investment in the car – its most popular model – with that cash boost including a £52 million XL press line at the base.

It also comes in the wake of the firm welcoming the Brexit agreement, with its leaders having warned a no deal scenario would put the North East plant at risk.

Described as “more muscular, sharp and modern” the new model will have an extended wheelbase, with more height and width and an option for 20-inch alloy wheels for the first time, giving it an “improved presence on the road.”

Customers will be able to add personal touches, with the car available in 11 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 16 variations from which to choose.

Like its predecessors, its styling was led by the team at Nissan Design Europe in London, while its engineering was led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe, situated in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, before the Sunderland arm was presented with the task of producing the vehicles.