Nissan unveiled a new design study called Compact Sport Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. The prototype three-door hatchback is the work of Nissan‘s global design center in Japan and the brand’s Beijing design studio in China. According to the Japanese automaker, the Compact Sport Concept is designed “for young customers in emerging countries”.
Despite the lack of information, it appears that the aggressively styled concept is loosely based on the Micra, as it borrows several elements from Nissan’s supermini including the headlight and the two-part grille designs. The hot hatch sports a heavily-sculpted bodywork, with bulged wheel arches, massive bumpers and a windshield that wraps around the center part of the roof.
Taking into account that the Micra is currently offered only as 5-door model, the Shanghai concept could preview a future 3-door version of the supermini. Matching the car’s hot hatch styling, the Compact Sport Concept is equipped with Nissan’s 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol unit that develops 190 horsepower. The four-cylinder unit is linked to a CVT transmission that has a six-speed manual shift mode.
The interior seems to be based on the production Micra adding several sporty elements such as the two tone cloth seats, a distinct instrument panel and gauges, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
By Dan Mihalascu
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