2023 Nissan Hyper Urban concept revealed

Nissan will digitally reveal a new series of ‘hyper’ electric vehicle concepts in the lead-up to the 2023 Japan Mobility Show later this month, starting with what it’s calling the Nissan Hyper Urban concept.

“The series… features the word hyper to express the heightened excitement they aim to bring,” Nissan explained.

“Each concept is represented by a symbolic character and has custom-tailored features that add value to unique lifestyles and diverse aspirations.”

Looking a bit like an Ariya electric SUV that’s fallen into a distorted parallel universe, Nissan says the Hyper Urban concept is aimed at “urban and suburban-based professionals who prioritise environmental sustainability” and fully compatible with future EV ecosystems courtesy of its vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging capabilities.

The Hyper Urban EV’s bi-directional charging functions would be managed by an AI-based ‘intelligent charging management system’ depending on the load of the grid and the number of bi-directional chargers attached to it.

Being a concept, there’s no shortage of drama and poetic licence as far as the exterior and interior designs are concerned, with the small-medium SUV sporting huge scissor doors, more angles than a protractor and a ‘lime yellow’ body colour that changes shade depending on the angle that light hits it.

Designers say the combination of angles and photochromatic paint draws attention to the vehicle while simultaneously helping it blend into its surroundings.

The interior, meantime, is designed to “blend in with urban living spaces” and can be periodically updated to “provide a fresh ownership experience” over an extended period.

“Inspired by kaleidoscopic triangles, the instrument panel and display can be customised according to the owner’s mood,” says Nissan.

“In addition, the front seats can collapse and fold into the back seats, creating a sofa-like, private relaxing space.

“When away from the daily grind, the Nissan Hyper Urban can seamlessly integrate relaxation and utility: Park it inside a loft apartment or bungalow so that it becomes an interior space to unwind.”

Fellow Alliance member Renault has previous toyed with this idea of a mobile living space or portable room with its 2017 Renault Symbioz concept, albeit in a marginally more traditional sedan body style.

The Nissan Hyper Urban concept will be joined at this year’s Japan Mobility Show by another three hyper-series concepts as well as a new string of 90th Anniversary edition models comprising the LEAF and X-TRAIL, as well as the Sakura, Serena, Kicks and Aura not sold in Australia.

We’re yet to hear if any 90th Anniversary models will be coming Down Under, but the celebratory line-up will be on display alongside the Nissan Ariya, Skyline NISMO, GT-R NISMO Special Edition, Z NISMO and a Formula E racer.

Formerly known as the Tokyo motor show, the 2023 Japan Mobility Show will open on October 26 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre.

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