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2004 Nissan Tone Concept

Would It Do Well If Sold in America?

Like oil and water, families and sports cars have typically been at odds with each other, neither one complementing the other with great success. Automobile manufacturers have struggled at length to find a solution that can accommodate enthusiast drivers, along with their children.

For people who dont want to sacrifice performance for pragmatism, Nissan may just have the ideal fusion of sports car performance and practicality. The Tone concept, which was displayed at this years Paris Motor Show, is a crossover hatchback cum mini-minivan, biased heavily toward those passionate about driving. While forecasting the future of crossover vehicles, even more importantly the Tone foreshadows a similar production vehicle available

Nissan may just have the ideal fusion of sports car performance and family hauling practicality. (Photo: Nissan North America)

for consumers as soon as 2006.

When production of this vehicle begins, purchasers will be treated to one of the smallest Nissans in an expansive model range. This one, however, is definitely not short on style, pulling cues from the entire range of Nissan cars, sport utilities and previous concept vehicles. Nissan followed a strict regime of deliberate masculinity when designing the Tones interior, necessary to extract the stigma of the dreaded minivan. Some of

Although one of the smallest vehicles in the Nissan lineup, the stylish Tone is definitely not short on passenger and cargo capacity. (Photo: Nissan North America)

the highlights of this change include real, brushed aluminum inserts featured on the semi-circular center console and the navigation display on the upper dashboard. In addition, the contoured, sport bucket seats with metallic-effect black, purple and silver leather trim belong in the sports car realm rather than in the minivan segment. Air vents that duplicate the styling of the front grille, while red LED mood lighting and a black and purple weave headliner set the interior apart - the latter matching the seating surfaces and exterior paint.

The

The Tones cabin is practical and efficient, ideal for running daily errands with the family. (Photo: Nissan North America)

rest of the Tones cabin is practical and efficient, more suitable for the family side of the transportation equation. A pair of wide-hinged doors allows easy access to the rear seating areas, while two oblong glass panels on the Tones roof follow Nissans recent unorthodox sunroof trend - the Maxima and Quest come immediately to mind - allowing the interior to be bathed in natural light. This helps to provide a sense of roominess in what is otherwise a predominantly dark interior; a nice, family-friendly feature. The Tone also comes with a built-in tissue dispenser and several hidden storage spaces, including a large cubby in the center console. If the standard trunk space isnt enough, the concepts rear seats fold,

Nissan designer Taiji Toyota has certainly addressed the issue of exterior styling in this sporty crossover. (Photo: Nissan North America)

providing a flat space for extra storage along the floor of the trunk.

Like the Micra, not available in North America, the Tone uses Smart Key, which automatically locks and unlocks the car via proximity sensors, while preparing the car for ignition without the use of the key.

Aside from comfort and convenience, Nissan stylist Taiji Toyota (thats truly his name) has certainly addressed the issue of exterior styling in this sporty crossover. Attempting to convey an athletic character, Toyota included 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in low-profile rubber, complimented by a wide front and rear track.

The shape of the upright HID headlamps, which bulge above the fenders surface, is derived from the charismatic look of Nissans subcompact Micra. The roofline

In the sea of somewhat bland crossover vehicles, the design of the Tone is a refreshing change. (Photo: Nissan North America)

peaks just above the drivers window, another element of the design language carried over from the Micra in addition to a high window-line and short bumpers that seemingly integrate into the body.

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