Nissan launch driverless tech on Qashqai in 2017

Nissan is joining the trend for driverless car tech. At the Geneva Motor Show bosses confirmed a semi-autonomous "Piloted Drive' Qashqai will launch next year as part of a model facelift.

The Brit-built Qashqai will be equipped with Piloted Drive autonomous driving tech 'version 1.0' as of next year, forming part of a full model update with revised looks and new cabin tech. The system will allow autonomous driving in heavy traffic on motorways or A-roads.

For the time being, Piloted Drive 1.0 won't allow driverless lane changes like Tesla's system, but Nissan will launch "multiple-lane control" some time in the next four years. The brand is committed to offering the tech on "mainsteam, mass-market cars at affordable prices". 

The march for autonomy will see a full range of Nissan models with the tech installed by 2020. Alongside this announcement, the Japanese brand has showcased two new Premium Concept versions of the X-Trail and Qashqai.

The Nissan Premium Concept models get upmarket styling details such as carbon-fibre add-ons, 20-inch alloys and new grille designs. Nissan promises a wider scope for personalisation, although there's no production confirmation yet.