Nissan presented its new Compact Crossover, the Qashqai, at an event hosted in Paris by Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s President and CEO.

Inspired by the concept car of the same name that was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai is a new vehicle for Nissan in Europe, with sales starting in February 2007.

It will cater for those car-buyers who want a more dynamic design than offered by a traditional C-segment car, but are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a compact SUV.

The design of the car was led by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) and it represents the first new production vehicle to be designed at NDE since its move to London in 2003. The development programme was led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe based in Cranfield, England, with significant input from Nissan’s engineering base in Japan. Qashqai will be produced at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, England.

As well as European sales, Qashqai will also be exported from the Sunderland factory to Japan (where it will be named Dualis) the Middle East and additional overseas markets.

The Qashqai is described as a crossover as it inhabits the area where passenger car attributes meet those of a 4x4. In terms of design, the top half of Qashqai is reminiscent of a dynamic passenger car, with a sleek, dynamic form that features a distinctive shoulder line which rises at the rear – a design cue similar to that of the Murano.

The lower portion of the car suggests SUV attributes of strength and solidity thanks to large, pronounced wheel arches, slightly elevated ground clearance and a purposeful stance.

The interior has been designed to give the driver a focused cockpit feeling, with a clear separation between them and their passenger. The deeply recessed instruments give a sporty feeling to the driving environment – a feeling reinforced by the raised central console. However, the front and passenger environments have been designed to feel airy, spacious and relaxing.

In terms of size, Qashqai sits between C-segment hatchbacks and SUVs. It has a wheelbase of 2,630 mm, it is 1,610 mm tall, 1,780 mm wide and 4,310 mm long. It is about 100 mm longer than a typical hatchback but 150 mm shorter than a typical SUV. Similarly, it is taller than rival hatchbacks by between 100 -150 mm yet up to 130 mm lower than an SUV.

Four engine options will be available, two diesel and two petrol offerings. The 1.6-litre petrol offers 115 PS of power and 160 Nm or torque, while the 2.0-litre produces 140 PS and 200 Nm. The diesel engine options – 1.5- and 2.0-litre - provide 106 and 150 PS, respectively and 240 and 320 Nm of torque.

Several gearbox options are available, according to engine choice. These include a five- and six-speed manual, a new six-speed automatic and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) option with manual mode.

Both 2.0-litre engine options can be specified with Nissan’s advanced ALL-MODE 4x4 system which gives added security and stability in marginal conditions.

Speaking at the launch event in Paris, Mr Ghosn said: “European customers want it all: dynamic design, driving performance and attractive premium interior. Qashqai delivers it all which is why it will lead our sales growth in Europe and the growth in recognition of Nissan as a truly bold, thoughtful and innovative Japanese brand.”

“We expect Qashqai will sell more than 100,000 units a year on average across Europe – with 80% of those customers buying a Nissan for the first time. Before Qashqai, they drove a premium C-segment car, a compact 4x4 or a D-segment car,” added Mr Ghosn.

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