Nissan Townpod

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.

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.