Nissan anticipates crossover vehicles will assume the market share previously occupied by hatchbacks, and strikes hard with its bold multi-function Qashqai, describing it as an "Urban Nomad" design study. Named after a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe living near the Zagros mountains in Southwestern Iran, Qashqai combines the sleek lines of a sporting hatchback with the attitude of a serious 4x4. Qashqai's four-by destiny is obvious in its 9.3-inch ground clearance, tall body (61 inches tall, 73 inches wide, and 169 inches long), jumbo 20-inch wheels wearing Michelin PAX run-flat tires, and extremely compact front and rear overhangs. Rear-hinged back doors open nearly 90-degrees for easy access to its four individual seats thanks to its B-pillarless design. Inside, full-length glazed roof panels give the cabin an airy feeling. Another interesting design feature are "invisible" LED headlamps covered in a "clear ink" paint that matches the car's body color, but disappears when light shines through.
