What's the news?
The Nissan Resonance concept has taken its bow at the Detroit Auto Show. With striking good looks and an advanced hybrid system the concept begs one question: is this the new Qashqai or the next Murano?
Exterior
Finished in 'Flare Orange' paintwork the Resonance certainly looks the part with its 'floating' roof design, steeply raked A-pillars, kinked D-pillars and a full-length glass roof. Riding on 22-inch alloy wheels the Resonance possesses a sporty stance that is emphasised by the aerodynamically designed front end and sloping roofline. The boomerang headlight arrangement (which frame the tinted acrylic grille) is mimicked by the rear lights.
Interior
The interior of the concept is fitted with a "VIP Lounge" of 'light, buttery leather and premium-stitched seats', which is nice. To further enhance this premium feel the interior also has natural wood trim and an instrument panel that 'floats' on the centre console. It is through this that the occupants can access the advanced infotainment and communication systems; systems that Nissan has neglected to tell us about other than saying they provide a 'holographic experience.'
Mechanicals
Though presented purely as a concept, the Resonance, Nissan says, signals the desire by crossover drivers to be respectful of the environment without sacrificing driving pleasure and so is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine backed up by a high-performance electric motor with advanced control technologies. Power from the hybrid system is delivered to the wheels via a new generation Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Anything else?
So is this the new Qashqai or Murano? Well the location of the car's unveiling would point us towards the latter. While the Qashqai has been a monumental sales success for Nissan, seemingly creating the mid-sized crossover segment by itself, it is not offered Stateside. Were this the forthcoming Qashqai, a European or Japanese reveal would make more sense. Unless of course the Qashqai is going to America...