The appeal of the Nissan Qashqai is now greater than ever, thanks to the launch of an upgraded 1.5-litre diesel engine.

The enhanced 115PS unit offers drivers a 5PS increase in power over the 110PS of the previous generation. Torque remains the same at 260Nm, though the engine now features an all-new overboost function. This delivers an extra 5PS and 25Nm of torque for up to 15 seconds of driving.

On the economy front the Qashqai sitting on 16 or 17-inch wheels can achieve 74.3mpg with carbon emissions of 100g/k, while the Qashqai on larger 18 or 19-inch wheel delivers 67.2mpg with CO2 of 110g/km.

Also new is Selective Catalytic Reduction technology using AdBlue to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. This technology allows the engine to meet the latest Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard while preserving efficiency and performance.

More than 90 per cent of the engine’s components have been modified to deliver these improvements, including the oil cooler module, oil filter, dual mass flywheel, vacuum pump and high-pressure fuel pump.

Jean-Philippe Roux, general manager, crossovers, Nissan Europe, said: “The upgrades to the 1.5-litre engine in the Nissan Qashqai further enhance its performance on the road and its appeal to consumers.”

The Qashqai is the most successful model in Europe in Nissan’s 83-year history, with approximately 2.3 million sold since the original version was launched in 2007. Today’s Qashqai features a contemporary exterior design, high levels of interior quality and refinement, and a dynamic driving experience.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies available on the Qashqai include ProPILOT, Nissan’s state-of-the-art driving assistance system.