First look at Nissan's Qashqai which will roll off the production line at Sunderland plant

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 to choose from.

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.

Marco Fioravanti, Vice President of Product Planning, Nissan Automotive Europe, said: “The starting point for the design and development of the all-new Qashqai was a deep analysis of the relationships we’ve had with all of our Qashqai customers over the last 13 years.

"It has enabled us to understand their needs and, in particular, what they value in the crossover that they use and rely on daily.”

Gianluca de Ficchy, Chairman of Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) Region added: “The new Qashqai is going to change what customers can expect from a family car.

"Comfort, refinement and technology will be comparable with upper segment vehicles, while the driving experience will satisfy drivers and passengers alike.

"With Nissan’s bold e-POWER technology, we feel that customers will fall in love with the feeling of an electric powertrain, without the range concerns.”

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