Nissan Hi-Cross Concept Debuts

With St. Catharines and Niagara car enthusiasts already taken with Nissan’s current fleet of CUVs, like the Murano, the Rogue and the new Pathfinder, it’s easy to see why the Japanese auto maker brought out its latest concept vehicle, the Hi-Cross.  Debuting at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, the Hi-Cross Hybrid delivers a familiar style along with some  hybrid characteristics. Typically, Nissan didn’t give a lot of details or the future direction of it’s new eco-friendly concept; whether it’s the next-generation Murano, a new Euro-market CUV, or just an experimental  concept. However, it does seem to have the flare that would appeal to family utility vehicle buyers.

Hi-Cross Concept: Gas and Electric Powertrain

The Hi-Cross is powered by a direct-injected 2.0-liter gasoline engine backed by an electric motor that Nissan says produces power similar to a conventional 2.5-liter engine. Nissan didn’t give any details, but it’s presumed that the electric motor is for inital starts and low speed travel. Given the fact that this is a three-row concept and has such a small engine, it does hint at the Hi-Cross being  a production CUV for the European market.

Hi-Cross Concept Style

Despite looking a little smaller than the 2012 Murano, Ontario CUV buyers should appreciate the Hi-Cross concept’s seven seats. The styling combines existing Nissan design cues with new elements and is set off by bold 21in alloy wheels. At the front, it has a characteristic V-shaped grille flanked by distinctive lighting signatures provided by stylish new headlamps. A distinct character line extends from the hood down its flanks to the D-pillar. On the inside, the cockpit is dominated by a T-wing-shaped dash, with futuristic virtual displays, which definitely add to the Cool factor of the Hi-Cross.

(Source: Auto123, Nissan Europe)