Nissan Hyper Tourer could preview Japanese brand’s return to people-mover market

The third of four Nissan ‘hyper’ electric concept vehicles has been revealed in the lead-up to the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, this time taking the form of a zero-emission people-mover.

Dubbed the Nissan Hyper Tourer, the vehicle previews Nissan’s potential return to the MPV market in the coming years, in an attempt to wrestle sales away from the established heavyweights including Kia and Hyundai.

However, its EV powertrain will likely see any potential Nissan people-mover positioned above combustion-powered models like the all-conquering Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria, and alongside $100,000-plus electric MPVs like the LDV Mifa 9 and Mercedes-Benz EQV.

The Hyper Tourer looks a bit like an eight-year-old was let loose on a Lexus LM, with vast front and rear bumpers bookending a traditionally high MPV roofline, plus a whopping spoiler big enough to make hot hatch fans jealous.

Aero wheels and virtual door mirrors round out the sleek exterior, whereas the interior takes on a far more textured aesthetic with myriad layers, creases and angles just about everywhere you look.

The digital instrument cluster and infotainment display have been combined into one panoramic display at the base of the windscreen, while the driver controls everything via a rectangular steering yoke stemming from the lower dashboard.

The front seats can swivel 360-degrees, allowing front- and rear-seat passengers to have face-to-face discussions, while rear passengers can use a wearable display to view and operate the navigation and audio on the aforementioned panoramic display.

Nissan says the Hyper Tourer features autonomous driving technologies, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities and a dual-motor powertrain drawing current from a solid-state battery.

“The result is an ultra-low center of gravity, which when combined with the vehicle’s advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel control system produces smooth and flat acceleration and deceleration,” said Nissan.

“Fully autonomous driving enables those in the driver’s seat to focus on interacting with their travel companions.”

The Nissan Hyper Tourer will be on display at the Japan Mobility Show next week alongside the previously seen Hyper Urban and Hyper Adventure concepts, as well as a yet-to-be revealed fourth vehicle.

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