Nissan has begun production of Qashqai at its plant in Saint Petersburg, Russia, as it brings the latest version of its best-selling crossover to the Russian market. The announcement comes just months after the new X-Trail was launched for production at the plant in October 2018.

The new Nissan Qashqai features a range of important upgrades to both the exterior and interior, offering enhanced functionality and Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. These include Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Other upgrades include a more stylish exterior design and new interior trims.

Built in Russia for the Russian market, engineers at the Russian subdivision of Nissan Technical Center Europe (NTCE) have also adapted the new Nissan Qashqai to meet the specific demands of Russian consumers. Improved noise insulation and more comfortable suspension mean the model is better equipped to tackle the country's unique road conditions and severe winters.

Russian consumers also benefit from the addition of the popular voice-controlled multimedia system Yandex.Avto, which offers complete access to Yandex.Music streaming, the Yandex.Navigator navigation system and full internet connectivity.

Speaking at the launch, Igor Boytsov, Nissan vice-president for Manufacturing in Russia, said: "The assembly of the new Nissan Qashqai in Saint Petersburg is a hugely important milestone for both employees at the plant and the wider Nissan brand, and builds upon our success producing the new Nissan X-Trail. Supported by the plant's advanced manufacturing technology, this launch confirms our ability to build high quality vehicles fit for the future."

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan senior vice-president for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe, added: "This year marks 10 years since the first Nissan was built in Saint Petersburg, during which time the plant has become an integral base in our global network. The production of the new Nissan Qashqai stands to enhance this status even further and expands Nissan's Intelligent Mobility vision to an even greater range of consumers across Russia."

Sales of the new Nissan Qashqai in Russia will begin later in 2019, with exact dates, trim variants and prices to be announced soon.