2011 Nissan Qazana Spied On Swedish Frozen Lake

Spies in Sweden spotted the 2011 Nissan Qazana during cold weather testing on a frozen lake.  The spies note that the SUV's size looks to rival the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.

Shown off as a buggy-style crossover concept in Geneva earlier this year, the Qazana should become a production compact car in 2010.  Last February, Nissan acknowledged that such a car would be produced in Sunderland, England, with research and development happening in the U.K.

The concept Qazana in Geneva had all the subtlety of a caricature.  Judging by the photos, much of the flamboyant styling looks to have remained, even though the car is covered up.  However, the front windscreen does appear to provide more visibility now, while the rear is less rounded, wearing what looks like a more conventional bumper.  The rear window also looks bigger, and appears to sport a wiper blade.  There may be a spoiler overhanging the glass at the back.

Possible options on the unnamed production car may include four-wheel drive, and a system to deliver specific levels of torque to each separate wheel.

Although still covered up, look for the unnamed production version of the Nissan Qazana to debut in Geneva next March.