What is it?
Nissan describes the Qazana on display in
Geneva as a concept car that 'gives a clear direction of how a future small car from Nissan could look.' Styling cues come from motorbikes and beach buggies and it is intended as an antidote to mind numbing motoring.
Outside, the appearance is dominated by the massive wheelarches and high ground clearance, with a set of 20-inch black chrome wheels contrasting with the 'White Titanium' paint. Inside, the centre console resembles the fuel tank and saddle of a motorbike and there is a large, central touch-screen display to manage the in-car entertainment, climate control and other functions.
Why is it here?
Nissan has confirmed that a sub-Qashqai, small crossover vehicle will be built at the Sunderland factory in Britain. It seems likely that the general outline and styling themes of the show car will be translated into production-ready form. The difficult job is working out what will be retained and what will be discarded. Presumably the production car would do without the massive wheels and therefore the wheelarches could be toned down. The lack of a B-pillar might cause problems with side impact protection so forward-hinged doors seem more realistic too. At the back the Qazana has quite a small tailgate with a high sill - no good for loading and unloading.
No technical data has been provided beyond saying that Nissan's 'next generation' fully electronic ALL MODE four-wheel drive system is fitted. The focus is on how the car looks rather than what's under the bonnet.
Show stopper or floor filler?
There is something pleasing about the chunky proportions of the Qazana and it would be great if these make it onto the 'baby Qashqai'. This is an important new model for Nissan and especially for the Sunderland factory. With production due to start in 2010 the unveiling of the production vehicle can't be too far away.
John Lambert - 6 Mar 2009