Geneva Motor Show: Nissan displays Sway concept

Nissan has unveiled its Sway concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The model previews the next-generation Micra, which is slated for launch in 2016.

The 4010mm long, 1780mm wide and 1385mm high Sway concept features Nissan’s new design language first introduced on the new Murano, albeit in a more conceptual style. The pared-back interior is inspired by the IDX concept of 2013.

According to Nissan, the Sway is a glimpse at how a future generation of compact Nissan models might look if the company's striking new design language was applied to a European hatchback. It is a concept car designed especially to appeal to European tastes: it is expected to be seen as emotional, edgy and exciting.

Design chief Shiro Nakamura said: “We are experimenting to see how Nissan might be able to bring fresh ideas to the compact segment.”

Structural elements, for example, are shown as structural elements. The door pulls are designed to be integrated as a part of exposed aluminium struts. Even the three-spoke steering wheel has a 'back-to-basics' simplicity, with a squared off bottom section and aluminium spokes.

Just two basic instruments face the driver, with all other functions captured on a large trapezoidal tablet in the centre of the dashboard visible – and usable – by both driver and front seat passenger.

The lightweight seats have an aluminium structure – once again exposed – and are covered in a premium suede-like fabric partially accentuated with pearl-effect material, featuring stitching techniques more usually found on luxury handbags. Colour co-ordination sees the use of strong blue and orange themes inside, complementing the exterior perfectly.

Although a compact car, the lack of clutter, the removal of the B-pillar and the use simple yet elegant structures makes the interior seem larger than expected.

The new Micra is due to launch in mid-2016. The model will be led by European design and engineering teams, a strategy also adopted by the Qashqai and Juke and opposite to the current car’s global brief.