Nissan will be giving this curvy crossover a world premiere at Geneva. Called the Hi-Cross Concept, it is “heralds a possible new design direction for the company” and is a proposal for a model that slots into Nissan’s Juke-Qashqai-Murano crossover range.
The Hi-Cross is a seven-seater, and the concept car showcases a hybrid drivetrain. It’s the combination of an electric motor powered by a Nissan-developed lithium-ion battery pack, and a 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine. The battery uses much of the tech developed for the all electric Nissan LEAF.
The drivetrain was developed for front-wheel drive models, but modified to provide 4WD. It is linked to Nissan’s new generation XTRONIC CVT, which by itself achieves a 10% improvement in fuel economy over the current version. Its low friction design has smaller shaft-diameter pulleys with a new belt to give the widest possible ratio coverage for enhanced efficiency.
The powerplant is said to provide the performance potential of a 2.5 litre with the economy and emissions expected from a much smaller unit. This is an interesting development, since Nissan isn’t synonymous with hybrids, leaving the flag for rivals Toyota and Honda to fly.
The Hi-Cross Concept sits on a 2,780mm wheelbase, a number that is between the X-Trail and Murano. The concept’s 4,660 mm overall length is just 30 mm longer than the current X-Trail, so this could be a crossover that plays in the C-segment. If it is indeed the “new X-Trail” it will also fill in the blank in Nissan’s Juke-Qashqai-Murano family.
Design highlights include a bold character line that extends from the bonnet down the flanks of the car to the D-pillars. Inside, the Hi-Cross’ cockpit is dominated by a new “T-wing” shaped dashboard. Don’t be fooled by the concept tag – no one thought they were going to make the Juke!
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
nice x-trail concept…. wished it seats 7…. or at least 5+2….
I love it and I want it now!
sexy
AND i KNEW IT!!!!
ahh, Looks really nice..Before I read, when I saw those renderings, my first thought is the new Nissan X-Trail… And my guess was correct,, yeehooooo.
wow, nice one Nissan!! do change the current x-trail to this one and don’t forget also change the Serena and Sentra design…
I think we will have to check with TCM if they are serious in the business? We might have this only after many…many years after it’s launch…..typical of TCM……Look at the line up from TCM…..pityful…..
curvilicious inside-out
this is soo gonna get watered down when it comes to production. Highly just a concept.
where is the new Tiida aka Latio hot hatch?
I’m waiting now!
why Nissan always take so long to bring it into Malaysia?
Cant wait for the killer 1.6 turbo in new Latio. TCM Faster Lar….
Make it so! It reminds me of the Qashqai… which TC should bring to Malaysia.