Nissan freshens up Qashqai

• Makeover for 2010
• New colours and lights
• Pure Drive with just 129g/km CO2

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• More pictures

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Nissan is updating its Qashqai small family car in the spring of 2010.

Both the Qashqai +2 and standard version of the British-built car will receive a revamp.

Nose job and new colours
The front of the car is getting a complete makeover, with a new bonnet, bumper, wings, grille and headlamps.

The rear lights remain the same shape, but have been aerodynamically adjusted to reduce drag. Changes to the lenses make them more transparent, while the brake and tail-lights will use LED lamps for maximum clarity.

Two new colours are available: Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey, which Nissan says will further enhance the improved sophistication that it's aiming for with the restyle.

New alloy wheels are being offered: 16- or 17-inch five-spoke designs.

Changes on the inside
Beauty isn't just skin deep; interior changes include a new design for the main dials and a redesigned trip computer. This gets a white LCD screen with fuel consumption, mileage, time and settings for the cruise control and speed limiter.

Low-level lighting around the front footwells is intended to create a 'warmer feeling' inside, too.

Extra storage space has been created, including a cubbyhole at the base of the central console for a mobile phone or MP3 player. Two-wheel-drive models also offer a space for parking tickets and keys just behind the gearlever.

Now even quieter
Better insulation and an 'acoustic' windscreen make the cab quieter. Changed window sealing should also reduce wind noise around the front pillars.

New clean Pure Drive model
Pure Drive is the label Nissan uses for its greenest cars, and one will be joining the Qashqai range.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine's emissions have been reduced from 137- to 129g/km. This has been achieved by reducing weight, improving aerodynamics and fitting wheel covers and low-rolling resistance tyres.

Prices for the Qashqai Visia Pure Drive start from £16,795.

New prices
Entry-level models in the revised range will cost £15,395, while diesel models start at £16,795.

Stability control is now fitted as standard across the range. Acenta trim and above get a speed limiter, while Tekna trim now includes a Bose stereo system.

Revised Qashqai and Qashqai +2 models go on sale on March 1.