Nissan Qashqai gets new petrol engine and gearbox

Nissan has made a new petrol engine available with its Qashqai SUV.

The 1.3-litre unit – available with either 140hp or 160hp – replaces the previously available 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre engines.

The new engine is on sale now and comes paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. From November, the 160hp version will also be available with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

All versions are front-wheel drive. 

For both power outputs, with manual transmission, official combined fuel economy and CO₂ emissions are 53.3mpg and 121g/km for Qashqais with 17in wheels, and 49.6mpg and 130g/km when the wheels are 18in or 19in. 

Nissan says the 17in emissions figures are 8g/km lower than the old 1.2-litre engine for the 140hp, and 13g/km lower than the old 1.6-litre engine for the 160hp. 

Prices for manual Qashqais with the new engine start from £19,595 for Visia trim and the 140hp engine, and rise to £28,595 for range-topping Tekna trim with the 160hp unit.

Prices – along with economy and emissions data – for the seven-speed auto ‘box option are yet to be confirmed.