This nameplate first appeared in 2010, when Nissan launched it in Japan and then expanded it to other markets as a compact crossover with a deliberately unconventional, sporty character. It was conceived to stand out from more conventional small SUVs, blending hatchback-sized packaging with a high-riding stance and distinctive styling that helped define a new niche for the brand.
The original version became closely associated with Nissan’s move into smaller crossovers, following the earlier Pathfinder, Murano and Qashqai, but with a much more playful and expressive design language. In Nissan’s own heritage material, it is identified as a 2010 launch and as a pioneer of the B-crossover segment, reflecting the model’s importance in popularizing the idea of a stylish subcompact crossover.
A second generation arrived later, replacing the original and moving the nameplate forward with a more refined and mature interpretation of the same concept. Even so, the core identity remained the same: a compact crossover with emphasis on design, individuality and urban usability rather than traditional SUV austerity. Over time, the nameplate has also been linked to performance-oriented and alternate-energy variants in certain markets, reinforcing its role as one of Nissan’s more characterful global models.
Because it has remained in production since its debut, the nameplate does not have a closed ending year. It has become notable as one of Nissan’s most recognizable modern crossovers and a model that helped establish the brand’s more adventurous small-SUV image.