The Qashqai concept, now codenamed P32L and to be built in Sunderland from next year, was revealed at the Geneva show in March 2004.

It is the first full project for Paddington, London, based Nissan Design Europe.

The manufacturer describes the all-wheel drive crossover as a “robust compact for the city and for the great outdoors”, combining sporting hatchback lines with serious 4x4. It features rear-hinged back doors, good rear passenger access as a result of having no B-pillar, and side-hinged seats.

At its launch Nissan Motor Co’s senior vice-president of design, Shiro Nakamura, said Qashqai would pioneer a new sector of the market.

“If the market share of the traditional hatchback is declining, its place might well be taken by striking crossover vehicles designed to live a dual life,” he said. Qashqai is named after a nomadic tribe living in South Western Iran.