Nissan's high tech recession beater

Apr 20 2009 Chris Russon

Nissan's high tech recession beater

A HIGH tech version of the Nissan Qashqai is being introduced as the company takes steps to fight the recession.

The Japanese firm, which builds the Qashqai, Micra and Note models at Sunderland, is offering redundancy protection for buyers taking out finance packages.

The scheme is over 36 months at zero per cent APR with a minimum 30 per cent deposit and includes a 12 months free 'Just In Case' package to protect customers should they their job through redundancy, accident or sickness, within the first 12 months of the agreement.

Alternatively Nissan is offering a 6.9 per cent APR PCP over 36 or 48 months with a deposit of 10 per cent.

The deals are being introduced as Nissan is sprucing up the Qashqai range with a new n-tec model fitted with the latest sat nav and communications systems.

The n-tec will be positioned between the Acenta and top level Tekna grades, with prices starting from £17,645.

It is available on Qashqai and Qashqai+2 bodystyles and across all engines, transmissions and body colours.

The Qashqai n-tec has a colour reversing camera and the Nissan Connect system which integrates Bluetooth connectivity, a five-inch touch screen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map and full postcode search facility, a CD with MP3/WMA playback, FM/AM radio, AUX socket and USB port for full iPod connection.

It also has 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, satin silver roof rails and door handles, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver alloy pedals.

With the introduction of the n-tec the Tekna models are being upgraded and move up the price structure, now costing from £19,245.

The Tekna add-ons over the n-tec include xenon headlamps with washers, body-coloured door handles, ESP, black leather trim, heated front seats and keyless entry/ignition.

The new range is due on sale in May.