You'd think Nissan had the crossover segment pretty well covered with the Juke, Qashqai and Murano - but this concept, premiering at the Geneva motor show, could indicate a new design direction for the company.
At 4660mm long, 1850mm wide and 1670mm tall on a 2780mm wheelbase, the Hi-Cross concept is no bigger than a Qashqai but has three rows of seats for seven full-size people.
It's also a hybrid, coupling an electric motor, powered by a Nissan-developed lithium-ion battery developed using technology from the Leaf battery car, with a two-litre direct-injection petrol engine to provide the performance potential of a 2.5-litre with the economy and emissions expected from a much smaller engine.
ONE MOTOR, TWO CLUTCHES
The drivetrain is based on technology developed by Nissan for front-wheel drive models, but modified to provide all-wheel drive. It uses a 'one-motor, two clutch' approach linked to a new-generation continuously variable transmission, with smaller shaft-diameter pulleys and a new belt to give the widest possible ratio coverage for enhanced efficiency.
The high output, fast-charging lithium-ion battery provides extra acceleration when needed and permits pure-electric driving around town, recovering energy under braking.
Styling combines existing Nissan design cues with new elements, featuring a characteristic V-shaped grille set off by stylish new headlamps, and a bold character line extending from the bonnet to the D pillar.
Inside, the seven-seat cockpit is dominated by a new T-wing shaped dashboard.
François Bancon, deputy general manager of product planning, said: “Although this is purely a concept car, exploring potential ideas for the future, there is no ambiguity about its purpose. It is a high-riding crossover, hence its name: Hi-Cross Concept.”