2004 Nissan Qashqai Concept

Despite its huge potential driven by the high demand for compact crossover-type sport utility vehicles, Nissan has

Simple design focuses on the driver. Makes you wonder why more companies don't do that. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

labeled the Qashqai as a pioneer study - the initial phase in expressing new trends and gauging the interest of the public. As it stands, the Qashqai features too many components unsuitable to mass production, such as the rear hinged doors and floating seats. While it may be awhile before we see a center-divided cockpit, technologies such as fuel-efficient electronic all-wheel drive are well within reach.

If you like what you see here, there is much to hope for. After all, if Nissan will not produce the Qashqai, it's guaranteed that elements of design and layout will be used in up and coming vehicles. It's easy to speculate that something like the Qashqai could act as a successor to the X-Trail, though it would be a fair ways down the road. In the meantime Nissan will continue to explore niches with vehicles such as the Qashqai, testing potential market segments in anticipation of the next big automotive craze. While the compact crossover segment isn't particularly new, Nissan's approach to servicing it is. The Qashqai could be extremely popular around the globe. threshold, a minimum guideline for serious off-road driving, which should suffice for all but the most ardent off-roaders.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 5-door crossover SUV
• Layout (estimated): front engine, AWD
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Web Site: www.nissan.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.