The Nissan Extrem concept is indeed a “high character” concept and, as the Japanese automaker says, “a radical concept car aimed squarely at young (and young-at-heart) car enthusiasts keen to make a statement.”

Wraparound glass and a “see-through” A-pillar reminiscent of Volvo’s Safety Car Concept (circa 2001) are interesting features that could enhance safety, while overlapping body panels “create a feeling of layered armored toughness.”

Such a vehicle could definitely compete with the similarly styled Veloster from Hyundai. But with its higher ground clearance and possible all-wheel-drive, the Extreme could offer a light-use off-road alternative. If anything, the Extrem is arguably most similar to Nissan’s own Juke, albeit with fewer doors.

The Extrem concept is built on Nissan’s V-platform, which is also used on its March supermini, albeit with larger dimensions. The Extrem is larger in every exterior dimension except wheelbase, as it retains the March’s 96.4-inch track.

According to Nissan, power “would come” from the company’s 1.6-liter, direct injection, turbocharged engine – an engine also seen in the Juke.