What's the news?
This edgy creation is the Nissan Xmotion (apparently, pronounced 'cross-motion') and it made its debut recently at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
It's an important machine for two reasons, because it first potentially previews a 'groundbreaking compact SUV' (which we think is Nissan-speak for 'you're looking at the next-generation Juke'), and second this design language will be seen on all of Nissan's products going forward.
The groundbreaking bit of the above claim relates to the fact that, though it is a smaller machine, it seats six passengers in a three-row configuration, in what Nissan is dubbing '4+2'. This, the Japanese firm claims, means that a 'young couple, another couple and two children or pets in the third row' can be accommodated.
And staying onboard the Xmotion, the interior - accessed by a pair of opposing-opening doors - is said to be a modern interpretation of traditional 'kigumi' wood joinery. But it's not old-fashioned inside; seven digital screens are arrayed around the Nissan's cabin, five spanning the width of the instrument panel while a 'digital room mirror' on the ceiling (no pink champagne on ice, though...) and a centre console display round out the visual hardware. Nissan also says the Xmotion's displays and infotainment can be controlled by hand gestures and eye movements, while the latest in new-generation Nissan Intelligent Mobility is also drafted into the spec sheet.
Outside, it's all edgy futurism but you need to take note of the U-shaped highlights - such as the headlamp clusters - and the 'bold evolution' of the company's signature V-motion grille to get an idea of what Nissans heading to showrooms in the coming years will look like. Show-car conceits include a retractable roofbox, taillights designed with inspiration from Japanese woodwork, and a set of 21-inch aluminium-alloys with the all-terrain tyres' tread physically laminated onto each wheel itself.
Anything else?
Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice-president of global design at Nissan Motor Co, said: "In the Xmotion concept, we explored the more rugged and powerful side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Bold and powerful forms and proportions are, upon closer inspection, contrasted with aspects of traditional Japanese craftsmanship expressed in a contemporary way. The exterior's combination of western and eastern concepts continues inside the Xmotion, where advanced connectivity and autonomous technologies mix with modern Japanese digital art and cultural craftsmanship. At a glance, Xmotion may appear to have a minimal design language, but a closer look reveals layers of detail that make this concept exceptional."