Nissan is taking on 400 new temporary workers to cope with a predicted rise in orders for the Qashqai when the hugely successful car gets a facelift.

As well as creating 400 new temporary posts, the move also secures work for 160 existing temporary staff while the company expects more jobs to be created in its supply chain, the majority of which is based locally.

Customers will get their first sight of the new-look Qashqai at a series of events at dealerships across the region later this month.

Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing said: "When Qashqai was launched in Europe in 2007, we were optimistic customers would recognise that it offered an alternative to the traditional hatchback or compact SUV.

"However, we had to increase production to meet demand and two-and-a-half years later, demand hasn't relented. Qashqai has been key at reinforcing Nissan's position as an innovator in the European market."

The most obvious change to the Qashqai is at the front, where the car has undergone a complete makeover, with new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps.

At the back, the overall shape of the lights remains unchanged, but they now include an aerodynamic feature to reduce drag. A more transparent lens design has been added, with the upper portion – housing the reversing lights and indicators – being clear, while the lower section, with the brake and nighttime running lights, is red. Additionally, the brake and tail lights operate using 12 LED lights.

The new look extends to the paintjob, too, with Qashqai now available in two new colours: Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey.

Inside, the main dials have been redesigned to make them easier to read. There is a redesigned drive computer between the two dials, showing instantaneous and average fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limit settings.

Anyone wishing to apply for one of the Nissan jobs should log on to www.nissan-recruitment.eu