THE new Nissan Qashqai, unveiled today, is the third generation of a model that has more than three million units in Europe and practically invented the market segment for a medium-sized SUV.

As with the two previous generations, the design for the all-new Nissan Qashqai came out of Nissan's European Design Studio in London, UK.

The wheelbase of the car has increased by 20mm with the overall length increasingby 35mm. There's a marginal increase inand width has increased by 32mm for improved presence on the road, says Nissan.

Customers appreciate the personal touches, so the new Qashqai will be available in 11 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 16 variations to choose from.

Supporting Nissan's goal of achieving 50 per cent electrified sales in Europe by 2024, the new Nissan Qashqai will not only be available with a 1.3 DiG-T petrol equipped with mild hybrid technology, but it also represents the European debut of e-POWER, Nissan's innovative powertrain that draws technologies from the company's pioneering Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

The e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio 154hp petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan's electric vehicles.

Nissan says it's a unique solution that combines the enjoyable, seamless linear acceleration which is characteristic of an EV, but without the need for charging.

The unique element of the e-Power is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Inside the newcomer, the larger, higher resolution 9 inch NissanConnect display screen is a digital gateway to navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings, and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless Apple CarPlay also introduced.

A new high-definition, fully electronic 12.3 inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information, all controlled from a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel.

First customers of the all-new Nissan Qashqai will be offered a limited availability launch version called the Premiere Edition. Deliveries will begin in the summer.

The Premiere Edition Qashqai will be available with the newly upgraded ProPILOT with Navi-link, which brings greater driver support in a wider array of circumstances, for great peace of mind in all driving scenarios.

A powered hands-free tailgate makes accessing the boot effortless when hands are anything but free. Overall luggage capacity has increased by over 50-litres from the previous generation model thanks in part to the cargo floor being lowered by 20mm as a consequence of the improved packaging of the rear suspension.

Popular features of its predecessor, for example the side storage compartments over the wheel arches and the Flexible Luggage Board System remain, are carried over and enhanced for the new model, with reshaped boards, as well as durable carpet on one side and wipe-clean plastic on the other.