Geneva Motor Show: Nissan has pulled back the curtain on the Sway, a concept compact hatchback that shows the next Micra may have claws. Really sharp ones, in fact.
Nissan says the Sway is a glimpse at how a future generation of compact Nissan models might look, when it comes to a European hatchback. It has been deliberately made ’emotional, edgy and exciting’ because apparently Europeans like all that.
The 4m long, 1.78m wide and 1.385m tall exterior is a far cry from the old people’s Micra, thanks to an aggressive V-motion grille flanked by twin V-shaped quarter bumpers, ‘boomerang’ headlamps and angular lines aplenty. It is, quite honestly, way too trendy for the pipe and slippers brigade.
Atop the car is a panoramic roof, which appears to be floating because there is no central B-pillar. To make it easier to get in and out, the back doors are rear-hinged.
The interior uses dark blue and contrasting ivory colours and design techniques usually associated with industrial architecture to wow you, but while keeping things simple by using a three-spole steering wheel and aluminium struts in the doors that double up as a handle.
Continuing the theme of simplicity are two instruments in front of the driver. All other car controls are taken care of with a trapezoidal tablet in the centre of the dashboard. So old and young will find it a doddle to drive.
Nissan senior vice president and chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura said: “We believe that the Sway continues our tradition of challenging the status quo in market segments by bringing something fresh, distinctive and striking, much as we did with Qashqai and Juke.”
