Spied: 2014 Nissan Qashqai/Dualis

Nissan has begun testing the next-generation Qashqai compact crossover in Southern Spain.

Spied here in test mule form, the altered prototypes give very little away about the exterior styling. Extended wheelarches and a slightly longer wheelbase hint at a repackaged interior, which will offer more cabin space. The current model’s dashboard materials and quality will be address with softer, more upmarket materials.

Although powertrains have yet to be announced, a new turbocharged engine may be offered. The current naturally-aspirated 1.6 litre petrol is likely to be replaced with a Renault-sourced 1.2 TCe, while a 1.6 dCi, 2.0 dCi, and 2.0 litre petrol with various power outputs will also be available. These will be paired to a manual, automatic, and CVT transmissions that will power the front-wheels, although four-wheel-drive models will be offered.

Some production for the new Qashqai will transfer from Sunderland, England to Saint Petersburg, Russia from 2014 to avoid import tariffs and to free assembly space for the revised Leaf electric vehicle, due in 2013. Japanese production will cater for global markets, like Australia, Middle East, South Africa, Mexico, and China.

Last year, the Sunderland plant produced 301,277 Qashqais running three shifts at maximum capacity, becoming Nissan's best-selling car in Europe with volume of 216,970 units, up 1.3% from the year before, according to JATO Dynamics.

A long wheelbase, seven-seat Qashqai+2 will arrive later, alongside a possible performance-orientated model.

The new Qashqai will launch in Spring 2014, priced from around £17,000.

Via Autocar.co.uk and Gmotors.co.uk