The competition in compact crossover segment is really heating up as every car maker is releasing all-new or updated models for 2010. Keen to be the class-leading, pioneering alternative to the traditional hatchback, Nissan has revealed the new 2010 version of the Qashqai, which comes with a new front-end, new exterior colors, LED taillights, retuned suspension and updated interior. There is also a new Pure Drive variant.

The looks of 2010 Qashqai is revamped through a new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps. At back, although the overall shape renamed unchanged, it now has LED taillights, and an aerodynamic feature to reduce drag, whatever that is! Two new exterior colours have also been added: Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey, along with two new alloy wheel designs, one 16 and one 17-inch.

Inside, the Qashqai features a new design to the main dials which give added clarity and legibility. A redesigned drive computer is positioned between the two dials. Its white LCD screen shows instantaneous and average fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limiter settings among others, providing the driver with an easy to understand interface.

As for the Pure Drive variant, it is an eco-friendly version of the car which is powered by a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine and tweaked with things like aerodynamic wheel cover and slow rolling resistance tyres and light weight body, and therefore it only has 129 g/km CO2 emissions.

Available from the spring of 2010, the new Nissan Qashqai pricing starts from £15,395 in the UK, where it’s being built.