First look: Nissan’s Micra SUV

NO, this teaser image of a concept car dubbed Qazana is not our first look at the hotly-anticipated global electric vehicle (EV) to come from Nissan, which has committed to launching what could become Australia’s first all-electric car in 2012.

GoAuto sources say Nissan’s ground-breaking new EV is still at least six months away from emerging, with company insiders suggesting this September’s Frankfurt motor show would be the venue for its global unveiling.

In the meantime, this “teaser image” partially reveals what is believed to be an all-new mini-crossover model to be positioned below the brand’s Dualis and X-Trail compact SUVs.

Though the Qazana is only a concept at this stage, Nissan in the UK has confirmed that an all-new small crossover will be built at its Sunderland factory from 2010 to replace the Micra light-car, which will be built in next-generation form elsewhere.

Described as a “small crossover – conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of small five-door cars should expect”, the Qazana will be Nissan’s star attraction at the 79th Geneva motor show from March 3.

“The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune,” said Nissan’s senior vice-president for manufacturing in Europe, Trevor Mann.

“As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year.”

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