Qashqai: Nissan's New Take On The Crossover
Published: 7th March 2004
First from NDE
Qashqai is the first concept car to have been developed by Nissan’s recently-opened design studio in London, England. Nissan Design Europe (NDE) is one of the company’s design ‘think-tanks’ dedicated to developing future generations of advanced designs for European markets
Qashqai, unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show, is ample proof that Nissan’s multi-cultural design team is thinking ‘out-of-the-box’. Unlike anything on the roads today, Qashqai combines the sleek lines of a sporting hatchback with the attitude and authenticity of a serious 4x4.
Escape
Named after a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe living near the Zagros mountains in South Western Iran, Qashqai is seen by Satoru Tai, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, as an Urban Nomad. "It is aimed at young professional people who enjoy living and working in the city during the week but who want to escape at the weekend."
Arch graphic roof
Among its striking features are the swooping coupé-like roof, high waist-line and the aerofoil shape of the side glass. The arch graphic of the roof line has become a recurring Nissan design theme and can be found on many Nissan production cars including Primera, Micra and 350Z as well as on a number of design concepts.
Qashqai’s four-wheel drive underpinnings are obvious from the ample ground clearance, tall body and huge wheels. The concept is 1570mm tall, 1860mm wide and 4310mm long. It sits on a wheelbase of 2650mm. Its four-wheel drive credentials include 237mm ground clearance and compact overhangs front and rear – 854mm and 806mm respectively.
The wheels – 20 inches in diameter – were made especially for Qashqai by Michelin and feature the French company’s unique PAX run-flat system.
Nissan QASHQAI
Our Nissan QASHQAI Guide lists the full specification of the current UK QASHQAI range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £13,799 - £20,999
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 18
We have road tested the Nissan QASHQAI, to read our in-depth car review:
Nissan QASHQAI Review - Jul 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
