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Nissan Townpod

Ingenious interior marks out futuristic city car, and Auto Express was first behind the wheel of the Paris concept for an exclusive drive.

Nissan Townpod drive

Text: James Foxall / Photos: Matt Richardson

October 2010

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Nissan is also at the forefront of the electric car charge – and its radical, battery-powered Townpod looks like it might revolutionise the genre. The concept, revealed at last month’s Paris Motor Show, is a potential successor to the Cube, which could soon be dropped. 

It features a clever stowage system that designers believe will make the car the ultimate 21st century family runabout. Key to the Townpod’s versatility are small brackets that look like a cross between a squash ball and hockey puck. These fit into slots around the cabin, and mount load space dividers, storage nets and even mobile phone holders.

In addition, the Townpod’s front seats have been designed with a uniquely thin back. With the base folded up, the rear bench slides forwards and slots into the back of the front chairs to yield a van-like luggage area.

Throw in rear doors that hinge at the sides in place of a tailgate, an unusual twin-flap sunroof to make carrying tall objects possible, plus forward-opening side doors, and this family car really does double as a van. The downside is the correspondingly commercial-feeling high and upright driving position.

However, this is partially offset by the convenience of the stacked two-dial dash. Nissan says in the short term it can’t predict what type of in-car entertainment will win over future buyers so, in a nod to versatility, phones, navigation and MP3 devices can be paired via Bluetooth and controlled by the circular touchscreen. The second screen is for the speedo, rev counter and charge gauge.

Range is estimated at 100 miles, but the Townpod is clearly no sports car. Nissan is cagey about power figures, yet sources say the lithium-ion-supplied motor generates similar performance to the Micra, so expect about 70bhp. 

That’s not a huge amount, yet as the unit delivers 100 per cent of its torque from zero rpm, the car feels surprisingly perky at low speeds – proof that, in future, fun and functionality will be more closely linked than ever. 

Rival: Renault Kangoo EV
Set to take the van market by storm when it arrives in 2011, this electric Kangoo has a rugged load area but runs on battery power alone. A range of 100 miles will make it perfect for the tradesman around town.

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5 Comments

SOME brilliant ideas

Yellow? In a van? Gotta get soooo grubby. Roof brilliant but why not solar panels in both fixed and moving parts or is this not cost-effective? And you criticise "commercial-feeling and high up driving position"? Why? To me that's another bonus, like a cross-over? What's that control panel linked to the driver's seat and why? You offer no explanation. Why not? What might happen if you sat on it by accident? Yes please like tomorrow. Please!

By rationale1 on 9 November, 2010, 12:16pm

More questions than answers

"Forward-opening side doors"? When your picture shows rear handles? Again no explanation? Perhaps you made your fulsome comments using a press hand-out? Or maybe even journos were not allowed near enough to make a realistic assessment? Thin seat backs, even net-backs? Aint nothing new there. Kids would demolish that yellow upholstery in no time at all. Best to put 'em into the cargo nets as you describe them.

By rationale1 on 9 November, 2010, 1:12pm

Weird.......

Well, it's so off the chart it might actually work lol.

By nick7 on 9 November, 2010, 2:55pm

Hmm,,,,

This takes styling cues from the aged and loved, by some, Messerschmit KR200. if the seats were arranged in tandem it would certainly be MUCH closer in both metafors . Another retro design with modern bloateneering to get it through modern regulations and suit the bulk of the 21st century body.

Who NIssan see it appealing to remains a moot point, the home market will no doubt snap it up but it is a very niche vehicle and like the Cube will have an equally niche market in the UK...

By Townsman on 9 November, 2010, 4:34pm

Awful! The ugliest concept so far this year!

By Lostash on 9 November, 2010, 7:36pm

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Pictures

Nissan Townpod interior
Nissan Townpod roof
Nissan Townpod doors

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FIRST OPINION

    Although the Townpod looks futuristic, it’s unmistakably a Nissan. And with pearlescent paint and headlights mounted on, rather than in, the front wings, it’s as eye-catching as the Cube and the Juke. However, the really clever stuff happens inside, where it blurs the line brilliantly between a family hatch and van-like practicality. Although the Townpod won’t make production for some years, the puck storage system could debut on next-generation Nissans.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £14,000 (est)
    Engine: Electric motor, lithium-ion battery
    Power: 70bhp (est)
    0-62mph: 14 seconds (est)
    Top speed: 80mph (est)
    Range: 90 miles (est)
    CO2: 0g/km
    Equipment: Puck internal storage system, electric windows, air-conditioning, Bluetooth for MP3 players, satellite navigation and mobile phone
    On sale: 2016
     
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