Nissan storms into Geneva

Nissan may have been one of the car makers that decided to give the Detroit Show a miss this year, but it's more than making up for it in Geneva, with a show stand creaking with the weight of all the new metal.

Headlining the Japanese manufacturer's line-up will be an intriguing new concept crossover. The show car will be called the Qazana and at this stage all we've been told is that it will feature five doors, with the back two hinged from the rear.

Nissan has confirmed that the Qazana previews a new five-door compact crossover, which will go into production in its plant in Sunderland later this year.

Sporty as the concept purports to be, enthusiasts will be as keen to get their first glimpse of the new Nissan 370Z coupé. The Geneva Show will mark that car's European debut.

Also being displayed for the first time in Europe is the quirky Nissan Cube. This Japanese style icon actually goes on sale in this part of the world in November with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.

Last, but certainly not least in terms of size, will be the world debut of the new passenger-carrying version of the Nissan NV200 commercial vehicle. It promises to be a roomy, practical and well-priced rival to conventional MPVs, with flexible seating for up to seven occupants.

The doors open in Geneva to the public on March 5th 2009, where we'll learn more.

Shane O' Donoghue