Japanese car maker, Nissan has announced prices for the new Qashqai+2, which debut at the recentley concluded British International Motor Show. The entry level model - 2.0 petrol Visia 2WD model is priced at £17,199. The higher variant 4WD will be priced at £18,599, and adding CVT will take the cost upto £19,699.  The equivalent diesel Visia models have been priced £18,599, £19,999 and £21,099 (automatic transmission), respectively.

The new SUVs seating position and genuine driving enjoyment are all carried over from the standard Qashqai, but the greater length of the new seven-seater crossover is aimed squarely at families seeking practicality without sacrificing style.

Qashqai+2 is offered in three trim and equipment levels, Visia, Acenta and Tekna. Moving up from Visia to Acenta adds £1550, from Acenta to Tekna £1150, and each is available with either the 140 PS 2.0-litre petrol engine or the 150 PS 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine in either front-wheel drive or ALL-MODE four-wheel drive configuration. As well as the standard six-speed manual gearbox, there's the option of a CVT gearbox on petrol 4WD models or a conventional six-speed automatic on diesel 4WD models.

Automatic transmissions are an additional £1100, while All-Mode 4WD and the diesel engine both carry a £1400 premium.

A 135mm extended wheelbase and a 210mm increase in length bring added space for larger families and the ingenious third row of seats can be used by children or for occasional use by adults. The reclining backrests will fold completely flat without the need to remove the head restraints first, opening up the luggage space to give almost 500 litres of capacity, an increase of 90 over Qashqai.

The standard full-depth roller-blind tonneau cover can be stored beneath the boot floor when the third row seats are being used, while the underfloor storage lid can double up as a cargo divider if you need to keep fragile items separated from heavier objects.

Second row passengers enjoy increased kneeroom and the 40/20/40 split backrest slide to provide walk-in access to the third row and reclines over a range of 15 degrees. Added versatility is provided by the centre '20' portion which can be folded forward to act as a large multi-function armrest, complete with two cupholders, a lidded storage box large enough to hold personal music players and a power outlet..

Qashqai+2 comes with a huge fixed panoramic glass roof that opens up the cabin to create a sense of airiness; if the sun becomes a little too intense, then a sunshade will glide into place at the touch of a button. Rear seat passengers also travel incognito thanks to standard privacy glass for all windows beyond the front doors, and standard roof bars provide an added sense of exclusivity.

Despite these added features and the greater versatility of the new configuration, pricing for the Qashqai+2 represents an increase over the standard model of just £1800 for Visia grade models, £1850 for Acenta and only £1500 for Tekna.

All models are well-equipped and as well as the panoramic roof, privacy glass and roof bars, Visia spec includes power windows with driver's one touch operation, air conditioning, a drive computer, Bluetooth hands-free, a four speaker CD audio system, 17 inch alloy wheels, satin silver front grille and alarm. Ample storage is provided by an under seat drawer, large glovebox and deep door pockets. A full safety package, mirroring that of the five-star Euro NCAP rated five-seat Qashqai, includes six airbags plus front seat active headrests and seatbelt pretensioners.

Move up to Acenta and you get a leather trimmed steering wheel and manual gear knob, a centre rear armrest and a choice of interior trim colours. The audio system is upgraded to an in-dash six-disc autochanger, six speakers and steering wheel controls and the air con becomes dual zone and climate controlled. Automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and rear parking sensors complete the package.

The premium Tekna model  features heated, leather seats with contrasting stitching, the convenience of the Intelligent Key, and the added safety of xenon headlamps and an auto-dimming interior mirror. At night you bathe in the warm glow of the front 'mood' lamp.

View: Auto videos | Auto picture galleries