Prices have been revealed for the new Nissan Qashqai for delivery in February 2014, with prices starting at £17,595 on the road for petrol models and £19,290 for diesel.

Although prices are higher than for the ougoing model, company car tax bills will decline with the most tax-efficient model falling by six BIK tax bands.

Although the lowest CO2 emissions for the current model are 119g/km for the 130hp 1.6 dCi, drivers choosing the 129g/km 1.5 dCi would pay less in BIK tax.

The new Qashqai, revealed last week, is lighter than the current model, and comes with a new range of engines with lower CO2, as well as the existing 1.6 dCi.

Petrol models use new 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre DIG-T engines with power of 115hp and 150hp respectively, and CO2 emissions of 129g/km and 132g/km. The 110hp entry-level diesel engine, also used by Renault, has the latest fuel-saving technology and produces a class-leading low of 99g/km. The 130hp 1.6 dCi has CO2 emissions from 115g/km.

Visia models, priced from £17,595, come with a range of new features including automatic air conditioning, Hill Start Assist, a five-inch colour HD infotainment screen, Chassis Control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and Speed Limiter/Cruise control all fitted as standard.

Acenta models, priced from £19,145, include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, premium leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels and a Luggage Board System. Safety equipment includes front fog lamps, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Both the Visia and Acenta models come with the option of a Smart Vision Pack (£450) that adds Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield system among other driver aids.

Designed to enhance the safety of occupants, the pack incorporates Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Acenta Premium models start from £20,995 and feature a raft of comfort and safety technologies. These include new-generation NissanConnect infotainment system with DAB radio.

A rear view camera is also fitted as standard, along with i-key Start Push Button, parking sensors and a panoramic glass roof. Safety features include Front Collision Avoidance, High Beam Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Range-topping Tekna models – which start from £23,145 – feature an array of new-to-sector technologies that further highlight Nissan’s lead in the crossover market. For safety, Tekna models benefit from bi-LED headlamps, Safety Shield with Traffic Signal Recognition and High Beam Assist.

Tekna models also excel when it comes to design and technology features. All models are equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, part-leather seats, a large glass roof, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and Intelligent key with engine start button.

The latest-generation NissanConnect system is also standard, including a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, Around View Monitor and smartphone connectivity.