Philosophy

This study opens a window on the future of new models from Shanghai Volkswagen. They will be cars designed with the culture, individual tastes and desires of Chinese customers as integral components of vehicle development. Take the example of exterior design: The Neeza is the product of an entirely new symbiosis of Asian SVW design and Volkswagen’s German design philosophy. The form of the concept car is characterised by traditional and deeply-ingrained cultural motifs of Chinese aesthetics: They reflect the philosophy of “round heavens and rectangular earth”.

In spite of this historical basis the design points to the future and does not follow any trends, rather it sets its own style with its youthful lines. The Chinese and German cultures work together in full harmony in this study.

Design details

The front area of the Neeza closes with a double wing graphic element, the front grille and bumper design typical for Volkswagen. The attention-catching headlamps exhibit a pleasant eye-shaped design and send a friendly greeting in the direction of the observer. The lines leading to the silhouette express a dynamic, easy-going image.

In its detail the front grille of the Neeza exhibits traditional Chinese window engravings. The number of grids was reduced from the three struts typical of Shanghai Volkswagen to just two, to generate a more arch-like and powerful surface impression here. The license plate is traditional Chinese, the English font was applied expressively with a Chinese writing pen. Details small and large come together to provide the study’s new type of cool image. Even the colour hue for painting has its meaning: It is “Chinese red”. The chrome-plated roof line mirrors another Chinese tradition of integrating special effects into the trim of house roofs. All of these special features emphasise a clever mix of traditional Chinese elements and modern stylistic features.

The light off-road look of the Neeza concept car is meant to reflect the versatility of the model and its nearly limitless areas of use. The fact is: The Neeza fits in, both visually and technically, just as harmoniously in the lights of the big city as it does in the countryside. The sporty and functional rear section of the Neeza reveals SVW designers’ intentions of supplementing the usual, existing Volks­wagen design elements with new ones. The implications for its market positioning in China: The Neeza should appeal to a target group that includes open-minded customers seeking a different, new style that differentiates them from pure traditionalists.

Characteristics

The study not only signifies a fascinating design, rather it offers a large, functional interior for both recreation and business. The status of all-around talent is no wonder: The conceptual foundation is that of a coupé and station wagon crossover that neither capitulates to its Golf equipment nor to the role of transporting refined pieces of furniture.

Interior equipment

The interior is an answer to the demands of a faster continuously developing infotainment world. The soft and flowing forms and harmonious colour selection in the interior meanwhile are deeply embedded in Chinese formal perception.

The Neeza study very intentionally has neither a radio nor a navigation system nor any other infotainment equipment. The reason for this is easy to cite: For the first time the “electronically empty interior” of the Neeza gives the future customer the capability of integrating the latest mobile generations of information and entertainment systems into the car. A so-called “Magic Box” serves as an interface for radio and navigation systems, mobile telephone, personal organiser and other devices. Permanently installed in the Neeza are displays, loudspeakers and pushbuttons for controlling the system.

In terms of interior partitioning, the study was conceptualised as an expression of a philosophy of “open spaces”, in which each seating position in the vehicle offers optimal comfort. Furthermore, access to rear seating is simplified by rear doors that open toward the rear. A large panoramic glass roof provides for a congenial, bright atmosphere. As in a van, the front seats can be turned so that the passengers can sit across from one another during a driving break.

Origins of the name Neeza

“Ne-zha” is a famous and mystical figure of Chinese history known to all Chinese. Ne-zha was a young boy with magical weapons who fought evil spirits. His incomparable willpower, his youthful and anticipatory spirit as well as his courage mirror the concept that lies behind the character and name of the study.