DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Nissan unveils hybrid Resonance

The Resonance concept on Nissan's stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is not merely a foretaste of the next-generation Murano. It previews a design theme for all Nissan's crossover SUVs, including Dualis, Juke and the North America-only Rogue.

But if any vehicle is to be based on the Resonance, it will be the Murano, says Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer. Speaking with motoring.com.au in Detroit, Mr Palmer explained that the Resonance is on the stand to gauge public reaction to the look – and assess how much of the concept's bold styling will make it into production for the next-generation Murano.

"It's not too far away, but far enough that we can take feedback from this presentation," Mr Palmer explained. "I can’t tell you when but we don’t normally show a concept car with a gap to production of more than 18 months to two years. This is the last chance to showcase the key features of the design."

Styled at Nissan's design centre in San Diego, the five-seat Resonance features a 'floating' roof design, courtesy of thin A pillars, 'flowing' D pillars and a full length glass panel for the roof. The concept is finished in Flare Orange, which is complemented by 22-inch alloys.

"We are testing out this floating roof especially ... so many cars have distinction in the face and distinction in the rear but when you look at them in profile it’s difficult to tell what the hell it is," Mr Palmer said. "What we wanted to do was create something in profile that was so distinctively Nissan. My intention is that (the roof) will see its way through not only in this car but other Nissan cars."

Mr Palmer effectively confirmed that the next-generation Murano will continue to be built in right-hand drive, describing the crossover SUV as "an important halo vehicle" that needed to be available in right-hand drive – and hinted that the Australian-spec models might be sourced from the USA in future.

Unlike the current, 3.5-litre Murano, the Resonance is a hybrid, combining a 2.5-litre petrol V6 coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an electric motor. The drivetrain powers all four wheels, which are independently sprung. Electrical power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack. Whether the production version of the Resonance will be limited to this hybrid drivetrain remains uncertain.

Mr Palmer, asked whether the next Murano would offer an alternative-energy drivetrain system as the concept car does, had this to say: "Between now and 2016 we will launch 16 hybrid vehicles … you can read for yourself this would be one of the important vehicles. And hybrid suits this sort of car."

A diesel option for the Murano seems like more of a long-shot however, although Mr Palmer did not rule that out altogether.

"We are having a big debate about diesel. There are some indications that diesel can become interesting not only in Europe, but outside, so I wouldn’t absolutely preclude it. Traditional normal thinking would take you down the route of hybrid-isation everywhere. It’s the easiest way to do it. But diesel would suit this car."

If the Resonance was the shape of things to come on the Nissan stand, the LEAF S is all about the here and now. A lower-cost version of the LEAF electric vehicle, the LEAF S, like the other variants available in the USA, is built at Nissan's plant in Tennessee. In America the LEAF is available in three grades, with the LEAF S the entry-level model, the LEAF SV a mid-range model, and the LEAF SL the flagship of the range. With federal government and state incentives thrown in, the LEAF S could cost as little as US $18,800 (in California), but it's MSRP – the American equivalent of our MLP – is US $28,800.

Standard features include trip computer, climate control, keyless entry/push-button starting, Bluetooth and MP3-compatible CD audio system.

At US $31,820 the LEAF SV adds 16-inch alloys, cruise control, electrochromatic mirror, satellite navigation and upgraded (six-speaker) audio with seven-inch colour display interface.

Topping the range at US $34,840 the LEAF SL rides on 17-inch alloys and is trimmed throughout in leather. Additional standard features over the SV specification include auto-on/off headlights, front fog lights and a photovoltaic (solar-powered) recharging rear spoiler. According to Nissan, the better equipment and pricing of the flagship LEAF marks a US $2410 gain in value over its 2012 predecessor.

Nissan also revealed for the first time in Detroit, its Versa Note, which is how the Pulsar small car will be badged in North American markets. Pulsar has already made its debut in Australia, at AIMS last year, and will go on sale from February. In the USA the Versa Note will reach showrooms a few months later, during the northern hemisphere summer. Prices for the new model will start from US $13,990, but that money will only buy the basic Versa Note S, with 1.6-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission. The Pulsar for Australia comes with a 1.8-litre engine and six-speed manual, with the option of a CVT (standard for the Ti model). Likewise, higher-grade models of the Versa Note will be fitted with the CVT as standard.

More news and coverage of the 2013 Detroit Motor Show

Full photo gallery of 2013 Detroit Motor Show at motoring.com.au

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