The name might not trip lightly off the tongue on forecourts around Ireland, but Nissan is hoping the new Qashqai (pronounced cash-ki) will win it a place in the growing market for small soft-roader SUVs.
This is the hottest segment in the market of late, with Ford due to launch an SUV version of its Focus model, VW preparing a similar Golf version and Honda already selling its CR-V.
Nissan believes that the motorist with €20,000-plus to spend on a new car is no longer content with a simple hatchback or small saloon. They want more choice and that's why the outgoing Almera, which has done well for the Japanese brand in Ireland, is being replaced by three different models.
First up - and already on sale here - is the Note, for those who want more cabin space and flexibility. Then there's this off-road crossover, the Qashqai, due to go on sale here at the end of January. Finally, the new Tiida hatchback and saloon model will debut here in early July.
The Qashqai takes its design cues from the current larger Murano model, though it's claimed to be the first all-new model to come from Nissan's new centre in London.
Four engines will feature: a 1.6-litre petrol with 5-speed manual transmission and a 2-litre petrol with six-speed transmission or CVT; and a 1.5-litre and 2-litre diesel, both with six-speed transmission. As with most of these soft-roaders, sales will largely be in two-wheel drive versions and only the 2-litre versions offer four-wheel-drive.
In terms of stature, the new Qashqai measures in significantly taller than the rest of the family hatchbacks - at 1.6 metres - though it is smaller than the likes of the Toyota RAV-4.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, although it is expected to fall between the Note and the X-Trail. That would mean the 1.6-litre petrol should start at about €22,000 with the 2-litre diesel topping the range at about €35,000.
FACTFILE
Name Qashqai (pronounced cash-ki)
When is it here? January 29th
What engines? A 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol; a 1.5-litre and 2-litre diesel
How big is it? 4,315mm in length, 1,785mm in width and 1,605mm in height
How much? Likely to be between €22,000 and €35,000 depending on engines and specification.