NISSAN'S newest model, the Qashqai, will go into production next week.

The first car will roll off the production line at Nissan's Sunderland plant on Tuesday morning.

The launch of the Qashqai - the manufacturer's third model in 16 months - has seen the creation of 200 jobs, taking the total workforce at the plant to about 4,000.

Nissan unveiled the new vehicle to the press in Paris three months ago, ahead of its premier at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September.

The Qashqai, which has optional four-wheel drive and will be on the market for less than £15,000, will join the Micra, Almera, Primera and Note on the production line in Sunderland