The TeRRA uses the same electric drive system as the LEAF to power the front wheels, but with a pair of in-wheel motors for the rear wheels, allowing on-demand four wheel drive. This setup also means the car has a flat floor in the cabin, due to the lack of prop or driveshafts as found in a conventional four wheel drive car.

Under the bonnet, Nissan has fitted the latest generation of its hydrogen fuel cell stack. Said to cost one sixth of the price of the previous version, shown in 2005, it also uses a quarter of the volume of precious metals.

TeRRA’s interior features staggered seating to offer additional shoulder room and a better view for passengers, while the dashboard display is replaced by a detachable tablet computer. This can communicate remotely with the car’s on-board systems, and displays speed, navigation and entertainment information when docked in the car.

Nissan has no plans to put the TeRRA into production, however, styling cues such as the hexagonal window shape are said to hint at how future compact SUV models will look.

Francois Bancon, Nissan's division general manager of product strategy and planning, said: ‘Not big and tough for the desert, the aim was a new approach to SUVs that's relevant to urban life.  The unique diagonal seating layout that offers an exciting driving experience, thanks to exceptional visibility that creates a sense of being in control under any conditions.’