Ahead of its world premiere at next month’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Nissan has released the first official photos of an all-new concept model named Invitation.
If the tall five-door hatchback looks almost production ready, that’s because the Invitation essentially previews the Japanese automaker’s next mainstream B-segment contender, which will go on sale in Europe early next year alongside the Micra supermini and the Juke crossover.
Given that Nissan’s European offerings in the B-segment currently includes the 8-year old Note small MPV as well, it is only logical to assume that the Invitation will most likely act as its replacement.
The Invitation’s design and shape leans more towards the hatchback category but with a taller roof that should provide a more airy cabin.
Nissan says that it is aiming for an “ultra-low CO2 emission target of under 100g/km” for the most fuel-efficient model of the series, though it doesn’t offer any other details about the powertrain specs.
However, it is almost certain that the production version of the Invitation will be offered with the Micra DIG-S Turbo’s 1.2-liter supercharged three-cylinder engine with direct injection technology, than can be coupled to either a manual gearbox or a CVT.
Other highlights include the first application of Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology on a B-segment model, while the concept also incorporates the Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, which interacts with the driver to keep him or her aware of what is happening around the vehicle.
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