Nissan Invitation Concept
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9th March, 2012
Nissan has debuted a head-turning hatchback concept car which previews the
company's next generation compact car, a mainstream B-segment contender to be sold alongside the Micra city car and
innovative Juke B-segment cross-over.
Called Invitation, the concept - which is on show at this year's Geneva Motor Show (8th-18th March) - shows some of
the innovation and excitement promised for the new model, which is due to be launched in Europe from 2013.
Design dynamism
Nissan Invitation is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market.
The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced
efficiency.
The side of the car is dominated by a distinctive character line, known internally as the ‘Squash Line’, which adds a
powerful dynamism to its profile with distinctive sculpted front and rear guards giving Invitation a confident stance.
Inside, an open cabin combines practicality and modernity with impressive levels of quality and purposeful technology
features.
François Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, said: "The name
we have given to this concept is self-explanatory… the key benefit of this compact car is to be inviting."
"It is inviting thanks to its sensuous exterior design and generous and comfortable interior space, cleverly
packaged within compact overall dimensions. It is Nissan's invitation to buyers in the compact hatchback segment."
Class-leading performance and efficiency
Combining advanced engine technology, Nissan's acclaimed lightweight platform and an aerodynamically efficient body
mean Invitation achieves class-leading levels of fuel efficiency and emissions. Nissan is aiming for an ultra-low CO2
emission target of under 100 g/km for the best model and with all versions eligible to wear Nissan's Pure Drive badge.
At the same time, responsive agile handling will ensure that when it comes to driving dynamics, Invitation will
compete with the top performers in the segment.
Like the new Micra, Invitation uses Nissan's new light-weight V-platform, which has been engineered to deliver optimum
rigidity for excellent handling characteristics coupled with a refined ride, but at the lowest possible weight for
enhanced performance, strong fuel efficiency and low emissions.
The suspension lay out sees an independent front end by MacPherson struts with coil springs and a compact torsion beam
rear axle designed to minimise intrusion into the luggage area. Both suspension systems are mounted on subframes to help
isolate road noise, vibration and harshness. Invitation's has overall dimensions of 4,150 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width
and it is 1,470 mm tall.
Advanced safety technology
But Invitation is more than just a good looking car that's fun and frugal to drive. The concept packs some of the most
advanced technology ever seen in the B-segment, all of which is designed to help drivers to be safe.
Among the features is Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology - seen for the first time on a B
segment car - which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible. In addition, Invitation also
incorporates the Nissan Safety Shield System, which interacts with the driving environment keeping the driver aware of
what is happening around the car.
Production
The new model will be manufactured at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the UK from next year. Nissan has put their
corporate hand up for a £9.3m grant from the UK Government to make the new model in the UK.
Conclusion
Nissan Invitation's combination of energetic exterior style, thoughtful interior, advanced safety features and
class-leading emissions, fuel economy and dynamic performance demonstrates Nissan's commitment to offering innovation and
excitement to all car buyers, no matter what type of car they are looking to buy.
Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing in Europe, said: "Nissan has always been a key player in
the B-segment and Invitation shows the depth of our commitment to the small car market. The production version of
Invitation will offer buyers a superb combination of advanced technology, driving excitement and practicality in a compact
package."
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