Nissan’s new Qashqai will be priced from £17,595 when it goes on sale in the UK in January.

The second-generation model has had a price increase of £700 in comparison to the current generation entry level model, but Nissan believes it is still accessible to buyers considering a conventional hatchback or crossover.

The price increase is offset with an improvement in build quality, materials and technology available on the entry level model.

The new Qashqai is available in four grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna.

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 are priced from £19,145 and feature 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 the new 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 Bi-LED headlamps, Safety Shield with Traffic Signal Recognition and High Beam Assist.

Tekna models also include 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.

UK customers will get a choice of three engines from launch: onr petrol and two diesel, with the option of two- or four-wheel-drive. The engine line up consists of a 99g/km CO2 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel, which Nissan says is capable of 74.3mpg, a base level 113bhp 1.2-litre petrol and a 128bhp 1.6-litre diesel. All of the engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. There will also be a CVT auto available on the 1.6-litre diesel. Customers can also choose between manual and new Xtronic automatic transmissions.

A 1.6-litre DIG-T 148bhp petrol engine will be available in the Qashqai from autumn 2014.