NISSAN has started production of what it claims is themost technologically advanced Nissan Qashqai yet at its factory in Sunderland.

Built on Production Line One at the plant, the latest Qashqai is powered by a new generation of Nissan's unique electrified powertrain, called e-POWER.

Comprehensive updates to the system have created best in mid-size crossover segment fuel efficiency, with 62mpg and a potential range of 745 miles.

It also has lower emissions and elevated refinement, bringing the drive experience even closer to that of a pure electric vehicle.

The launch comes as the plant celebrates manufacturing 4.5 million Qashqais since 2006 - an average of a car every two and a half minutes for 19 years.

Adam Pennick, vice president for manufacturing in the UK, said: "Our world-class manufacturing and engineering team has been building Qashqai with pride since 2006. That's why we have the perfect blend of experience, skill and technical expertise to manufacture Qashqai with this fantastic new e-POWER drivetrain.

"It was an exciting moment to watch the first new e-POWER battery being fitted on the production line at the plant. We're confident that our customers worldwide will love this new, no-compromise electrified powertrain."

First launched in Europe four years ago, e-POWER was developed to deliver an electric-drive experience without the need to plug in. e-POWER delivers an EV-like driving experience thanks to its wheels being driven solely by an electric motor, with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine simply being used to generate electricity.

This gives the system instant response and smooth, linear acceleration.

Taken together, the updates to e-POWER now bring customers an even more electrified feel behind the wheel, with major improvements across every key area with emissions lowered from116g/km to 102g/kma 12 per cent reduction compared with the current iteration.

The new Qashqai is also said to be quieter than before and have more power in Sport mode.

It's a busy time for the team at the plant as they also prepare facilities for the next generation of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, the first model to be launched as part of the company's EV36Zero project.

This will be followed in 2026 by a 100 per cent electric version of Juke.

EV36Zero is Nissan's vision for the future of sustainable manufacturing - a blueprint that will transform Sunderland Plant into a flagship EV hub, bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.