2012 Geneva: Nissan Hi-Cross Concept rides high, offers innovative hybrid/electric powertrain

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show today, Nissan unveiled the Hi-Cross Concept, which is a proposal from the Japanese automaker to expand its current lineup of Juke-Qashqai-Murano crossover lineup.

“Nissan created the crossover segment with Murano and has expanded the genre with top selling cars like Qashqai and Juke,” said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. “Hi-Cross Concept shows we are not sitting still, resting on our laurels, but exploring ways of cementing our crossover leadership by exploring new ideas.”

While it may not look that big from the outside, the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept features three rows and offers seating for 7-passengers – whether or not those passengers ride in complete comfort remains to be seen.

Power for the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept comes from a hybrid powertrain, mated to an electric-motor that is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery. The system includes a 2.0 liter direct-injection engine that provides power of a 2.5 liter with fuel-economy of a much smaller engine. The whole powertrain is coupled with a CVT transmission and all-wheel-drive.

Will it be built? According to François Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division , said: “Although this is purely a concept car, exploring potential ideas for the future, there is no ambiguity about its purpose. It is a high-riding crossover, hence its name: Hi-Cross Concept.”

2012 Geneva Motor Show

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

– By: Omar Rana