What's the news?
Nissan's new Qashqai has arrived and the first example was collected from the factory by the founder of the Qashqai Club, an independent online community for fans of the crossover. Frankie Hipwell-Larkin collected car number 0001 of 2007 having placed his order within hours of Nissan announcing the new model. The car in question is one of the Premier Edition models, offered only to owners of the original Qashqai.
Premier Edition versions are based on the top Tekna trim level and come exclusively in Pearl Black paint with 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlamps plus roof rails. The interior features special trim including seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara in stone colour, contrasting with the dark carpets and roof lining.
Commenting on his new car Frankie said, "I've been looking forward to the launch of the new model for a long time and now it's here, and I'm able to drive it away, it's fantastic.
"Knowing that my new Qashqai is number one of 2007 exclusive models makes it extra special and is a nice bit of added kudos."
He added: "I launched the Qashqai Club to provide a forum for owners to get together, chat and share information and it's really clear to see that Nissan really listened to our 7,500 members when developing the new Qashqai. That's terrific."
Anything else?
Nissan built 2007 Qashqai Premier Editions to commemorate the year in which the crossover was introduced. Of that number fewer than 300 will be sold in the UK. The rest of the range can be pre-ordered now with prices starting at £17,595.
John Lambert - 4 Feb 2014