2004 Nissan Qashqai Concept

A design as advanced as the Qashqai could have only come from a highly established studio, which makes the fact that the

Thanks to a stylish design penned by the new Nissan Design Europe studio, the Qashqai certainly doesn't look like an average sport utility vehicle. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

stylish concept was the first fully-completed project to emerge from the new Nissan Design Europe studio. NDE, which first opened its doors in London, England in January 2003, is now home to 50 international designers, modelers and support staff, many of which who worked to turn the Qashqai from sketches into a working vehicle. Many of Nissan's future global vehicles will come from this design site.

Unlike previous concepts and products aimed specifically at Japan, Europe or North America, NDE accomplished a unity between Nissan's distinctive styling facilities. While plastic body cladding is absent, the chunky shape, over-exaggerated wheel arches and large 20-inch wheels give it the feel of the tough 4x4s normally

Much of global Nissan's recognizable styling DNA can be found throughout the Qashqai. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

destined for Nissan's North American markets, while its short overhangs, an upright but rounded tail, and its three-piece front grille are all European. One thing's for sure, it certainly doesn't look like an average sport utility vehicle.

The Qashqai's exterior also incorporates plenty of global Nissan DNA, which can be traced back to Japanese-styled products including the Micra/March city car, the avant-garde Primera family sedan, and Nissan's hallmark 350Z. These styling elements show in the new concept's swooping roofline and heavily sculpted rear flanks. Angular LED head and taillights, flush tailpipes, angular mirrors and a floating valance, are nicely detailed design elements which counteract the aggressively macho SUV-look.