Nissan Qashqai +2: on sale now

Price: £15,495 to 19,620

Engines: 1.6 petrol; 1.5 turbodiesel

Dealer contact: 08457 669966/www.nissan.co.uk

Two new engines are now available in Nissan's seven-seater crossover, in addition to the existing 2.0-litre petrol and turbodiesel units. The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines deliver official EU Combined fuel consumption of 40.4 and 49.6mpg respectively, giving an annual VED of £145 for the petrol and £120 for the diesel.

The new, 1.6 petrol develops 113bhp and drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Its top speed is 108mph, with 0-62mph in 12.9sec. Its CO2 emissions of 165g/km place it in tax band D for annual VED of £145.

The 1.5-litre dCi turbodisel, complete with diesel particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, musters 102bhp and 177lb ft of torque at 2,000rpm. Its 149g/km of CO2 means annual VED of just £120, while 0-62mph takes 13.3sec.

Available in three trim levels (Visia, Acenta and Tekna), these latest Qashqai+2s are virtually identical to 2.0-litre models. In Visia spec that means a huge, fixed panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade, privacy glass and roof bars, power windows, air-conditioning, computer, Bluetooth hands-free, four-speaker CD audio system, six airbags and front seat active headrests. 16in alloy wheels are fitted in place of the 2.0-litre's 17in items.

Acenta models gain 17in alloys, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and manual gear lever, a centre rear armrest and a choice of interior trim colours. The audio system is upgraded to an in-dash six-disc autochanger, six speakers and steering wheel controls and the air con becomes dual zone and climate controlled. There are also automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

The top-of-the-range Tekna provides heated leather seats with contrasting stitching, xenon headlamps and an auto-dimming interior mirror. ESP stability control is an option on all 1.5 and 1.6 models.

The car’s extra length over the standard Nissan Qashqai means second row passengers enjoy increased knee room, while the centre portion of the backrest can be folded forward to act as a large multi-function armrest, complete with two cupholders, a lidded storage box and a power outlet.

Its third row seats are most suited to children or occasional use by adults and, when folded flat, give 550 litres of luggage space.

We like: All that’s already good about the original Qashqai.

We don't like: Less than ideal third tier seating system operation.