Nissan Qazana concept

Nissan's Qazana concept is a design study that showcases ideas for a future small crossover from the Japanese firm. Developed from an initial sketch by Matt Weaver under the direction of Alfonso Albaisa at NDE, Weaver also followed the concept as project manager during the seven month build process.

Designed to be a more youthful, urban version of the successful Qashqai crossover, the Qazana features interesting design that blends elements of a sports car and an SUV. "It's a car contrast," Weaver told CDN, "We're trying to mix sporting dynamics with the look of a buggy." He did however concede that the design is polarizing.

The front aspect of the car is the most imposing, with large headlamps in recesses and framed with LED rings at the edge of the grille, an element reminiscent of a Rally car. Mounted above the fenders either side of the hood are smaller lamps that serve as the eyes of the car. The front and rear skidplates for example are a plastic element that contrasts with the hue of the car, an element repeated in the smoothed out wheelarches that wrap under the wheel well and into the soft bodysides. The slim DLO and transparent door mirrors are accented by a sloping roofline that extends rearward to the boomerang taillamps, derived from those first seen on the US-spec Nissan Maxima and again on the 370Z unveiled in LA.

Access to the minimalist interior, by senior designer Paul Ray, is gained via two conventional doors at the front and two smaller suicide-style rear doors. There is no B-pillar. Once inside, the sporting theme is also readily apparent: door panels with exposed metal lend a mechanical feel and the center console has been inspired by the fuel tank of a motorcycle, alluding to outdoor activities. Hard and soft materials interact with one another - such as the mesh material that covers the carbon fiber seat structure and the rubber covered floor that can be easily cleaned.