What's all this about?

Nissan has created two new concepts to show how premium design themes could be applied to its crossover range. The Qashqai Premium Concept and X-Trail Premium Concept will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Although aimed at different types of people the two concepts share certain design themes with a colour palette that contrasts black and white with 'golden copper'.

Tell me about the Qashqai.

Created by Nissan Design Europe, the Qashqai is aimed at the 'Premium Urbanite, who dreams of a weekend absorbing the cultural highlights of a European destination city such as Geneva, Paris or Rome'. The body is finished in matt black with golden copper used to highlight certain details; carbon fibre is used on the lower part of the body and 20-inch machined alloy wheels are fitted.

Inside, there is white Nappa leather upholstery, while carbon fibre with a golden copper weave is also used throughout the interior. The steering wheel and gear shift get satin chrome and 'liquid gloss black' trim.

What about the X-Trail?

Nissan's Global Design Centre in Japan produced the X-Trail Premium concept. This is designed for the 'Premium Adventurist, who will be thinking of mountain adventures in the Alps or the Pyrenees'. White paint was chosen for the main body colour with a matt black carbon fibre bonnet and roof. As with the Qashqai, golden copper accents are used, including on the front skid plate.

For the interior, a natural tan and black colour scheme is supposed to reflect the car's appeal to adventurous customers. There is Ultrasuede with gold pearl leather piping on the central section of the seat backs and bases, while the door trims and dashboard get carbon fibre and matt chrome trim.

Are they going on sale?

Not for the moment, but Nissan says it is exploring a new level of personalisation for the crossover sector, so it is possible that the paint and trim options will eventually be available to order.

John Lambert - 25 Feb 2016