What's all this about?

Nissan has changed the trim grades for its Qashqai line-up and has also introduced an Xtronic automatic gearbox on DIG-T 115 models.

OK, tell me about the trim first of all.

Called n-tec, it replaces Acenta Premium in the Qashqai hierarchy, so that the trim levels (in ascending order) now run Visia, Acenta, n-tec, n-tec+ and Tekna.

n-tec+?

Indeed, this adds a full-length panoramic glass roof and roof rails, for £550 on top of an n-tec.

Which gives me what, precisely?

The n-tec Qashqais come with unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a black diamond-cut finish, the Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system, NissanConnect entertainment (including smartphone connectivity and satnav featuring Google Send to Car route planning), parking sensors all round, keyless start, automatic folding mirrors and an auto dimming rear-view mirror. Oh, and the Safety Shield suite of assistance technologies, such as forward emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and high beam assist.

Will it cost me more?

Nope, as the n-tec line starts at £21,700, which is identical to the price of the obsolete Acenta Premium models.

And what about this Xtronic DIG-T 115?

It's the six-speed automatic for the turbocharged 1.2-litre engine, meaning the new Qashqai Xtronic can achieve 50.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 129g/km. It is only available on Acenta model upwards, and - as with specifying Xtronic on a dCi 130 - it adds £1,350 to the price of an equivalent manual car.