Nissan unveils Invitation concept

Nissan has unveiled the Nissan Invitation, a B-segment concept at the Geneva motor show that combines the cuteness, compactness and agility of a hatchback with the generous cabin space of a baby SUV.

The new Nissan “previews a forthcoming mainstream model due in Europe in 2013”. Insiders say it is a more dynamic replacement for the sober but successful Micra-based Note.

The production version of the Nissan Invitation concept car will be built at the company’s Sunderland plant and it will be launched at the plant next year. This move is expected to create around 2000 new jobs, both at Nissan and the supply chain. The model will be built alongside the Nissan Juke and it is likely to represent a more upmarket alternative to the Micra.

Nissan is promising an ultra-frugal version – likely to be powered by the supercharged 1.0-litre engine already used in the Micra in some markets. All versions will be eligible to wear Nissan’s Pure Drive badge, available only to the fuel-highest-efficiency models.

The Invitation concept, created in Japan, will be adapted for European production in Nissan’s design centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. It will have “a refreshingly open cabin” and have equipment rarely seen in this sector such as an Around View Monitor system, which uses four cameras to provide a ‘helicopter view’ useful for reversing and parallel parking.

The concept also incorporates Nissan’s Safety Shield system, which interacts with the driver to keep him or her aware of what is happening around the car.