NISSAN has had impressive success with the sales of the Qashqai during 2008. Now the Qashqai deal has been extended with a new and bigger version of the car. Called the Qashqai+2, this version is longer and taller than the standard model. The benefits that the extra 211mm in length brings is that Nissan has been able to get an extra row of seats into the rear of the Qashqai+2 and head height is not compromised.

On first impressions or with a passing glance, you may not notice that extra length. Its there and it delivers extra space to ensure that the new Qashqai+2 has real people carrier or MPV credentials. 

1 took the 2.0 litre diesel powered version to the road in recent weeks. The Qashqai+2 is well equipped. The interior of the car is dearly laid out; all controls are near at hand with a good selection of steering wheel controls for the radio, cruise control, etc. 

The Qashqai+2 story is all about those extra seats. There are two additional seats in what would be the boot in most cars, giving the Qashqai+2 seven seat capacity. The seats are designed for children; 1 mean small ones, as legroom is tight, even with the middle row of seats moved forward. But their will give you the security of carrying two extra small people in safety when needed. 

These extra seats are easily folded when not in use. This process is simplicity in itself and it provides for a much bigger boot area when they are folded flat.This side of the Qashqai+2 is well thought out. The tonneau cover can be easily stored in a neat door compartment when the seats are in use. And it's easy to bring it back into action to hide your load once the scats are folded. 

The new Qashqai+2 comes as standard with a huge fixed panoramic glass roof that nearly runs the length of the car. If the weather is right it 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.

Nissan is providing standard privacy glass for all windows beyond the front doors. The Qashqai+2 is fitted with 17 inch alloy wheels and the roof bars are standard to give an added sense of exclusivity. 

At the outset, I mentioned that it's a crossover vehicle and that might give the impression that it's a 4x4. It's relatively high stance also gives that impression. Wrong, the Qashqai+2 is available in two-wheel-drive format in Ireland and there's a choice of two diesel engines, with manual transmissions being the only gearbox options. To me the Qashqai+2 with its 2.0 litre diesel has to be a great candidate for an automatic gearbox, and it would enhance its driving features. But it adds another Eur4000 to the base 2.0 litre version price.

I'rom a practical point the Qashqai+2 is easy and comfortable to drive. The engine delivers well with relatively high power of ISObhp from the 2.0 litre unit. The entry 1.5 litre diesel Qashqai+2 has more modest acceleration ambitions, being almost 3 seconds slower off the blocks at 13.3 seconds in a 0 to lOkm/hr dash. With power comes the fuel economy difference and in these thrifty times, the 1.5 litre diesel powered Qashqai+2 comes home with a 27% fuel economy saving, that just has to be noticed. 

Nissan has not spared the goodies in the new Qashqai+2. The car comes with electronic stability control (KSP), a simple to use Bluetooth phone kit, iPod jack and rear parking sensors as part of the standard deal. But it still seems expensive because it's not remarkable spacious. The Qashqai+2 is flexible, it's solid and is easy to drive with that extra height giving good road visibility and the impression of being a 4x4 driver. 

Nissan has introduced the new Qashqai+2 with seven se'at capacity for the 2009 market. The 1.5 litre version give best economy and the standard features are impressive even if the price seems high at over EUR30,585 before delivery charges