X

Nissan Invitation, Hi-Cross concepts look ready for production (photos)

Nissan debuts a pair of concepts, the Invitation and Hi-Cross, that are small in stature, but big on efficiency.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
Nissan_HiCross_02.JPG
1 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

Nissan is thinking small at the 2012 Geneva auto show with a pair of concepts that aim to shrink their respective physical and carbon footprints.
Nissan_HiCross_01.JPG
2 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

The first concept is the Hi-Cross, a hybrid crossover that aims to match the power of the automaker's current 2.5-liter engine by pairing a 2.0-liter direct-injected engine with a lithium-ion-powered electric hybrid system.
Nissan_HiCross_03.JPG
3 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

The nose takes elements present on the current Murano crossover (and a pinch of Infiniti FX/EX proportion) and extrapolates them into the future.
Nissan_HiCross_04.JPG
4 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

The Hi-Cross uses Nissan's Xtronic CVT, which has been modified to work with the all-wheel-drive system.
Nissan_HiCross_05.JPG
5 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

21-inch alloy wheels look good on a concept but definitely wouldn't make it to showrooms on a road-going hybrid.
Nissan_HiCross_06.JPG
6 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

The Hi-Cross doesn't look very large in person, but Nissan assures us that it seats seven passengers.
Hi_Cross_Concept_11__mid.jpg
7 of 15 Nissan

Nissan Hi-Cross concept

This dashboard and center console are unlike anything in current Nissan vehicles, making extensive use of virtual displays.
Nissan_Invit_01.JPG
8 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

At the other end of the scale is the Nissan Invitation concept, a small hatchback that immediately evokes comparison with the Honda Fit.
Nissan_Invit_02.JPG
9 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

You'll never hear me actually say that the Nissan Quest is an attractive vehicle, but the Invitation concept makes great use of design elements cribbed from the minivan.
Nissan_Invit_03.JPG
10 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

Interestingly, Nissan seems keen on building the Invitation. Expect the European launch to happen in 2013. Don't expect these sweet LED headlamps to make the cut.
Nissan_Invit_04.JPG
11 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

Being based on underpinnings that are similar to the Nissan Micra, we expect that the B-segment Invitation will be front-wheel driven.
Nissan_Invit_05.JPG
12 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

The "squash line" crease that sweeps along the concept's door gives the Invitation a sporty character.
Nissan_Invit_06.JPG
13 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

For a vehicle that's supposedly production-bound, Nissan is surprisingly light on the details surrounding the Invitation's power train. All that we're told is that Nissan is "aiming for an ultra-low CO2 emission target of under 100g/km."
Nissan_Invit_07.JPG
14 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Invitation concept

Nissan has loaded the Invitation with cabin technology, including its around-view monitor. That seems a bit excessive on such a small vehicle, but we'll take it.
Nissan_Juke.JPG
15 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nissan Juke

Nissan's entire line of models was on display at the Geneva Auto Show, including the segment-bashing Juke. Hey, how do you make a Nissan Juke look good? Pose a pretty lady in front of it.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos