The all-wheel drive Resonance concept has a hybrid electric drivetrain that combines a small gasoline engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.
Nissan today showed a Versa-derived Resonance SUV at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The 2014 Versa Note, also made its North American debut. The body styles for the second generation of the Versa hatchback will eventfully expand to include a sub-compact SUV sometime after the hatch goes on sale at Nissan dealers this summer.
Honda, Buick and Smart, among others, are also exploring the expanding “cute-ute” segment with the tiniest SUVs ever offered or contemplated in the U.S. market in an attempt to boost profits form what are traditionally thin-margin cars, as well as increase CAFE ratings.
The Resonance concept, created at Nissan Design America in California, has a “floating” roof created by the thin, steeply raked A-pillars, a large full-length glass panel and a swept D-pillar design.
Inside, according to Nissan styling babble, “the designers imagined what the future of first-class space travel might be: Welcoming yet exclusive and high-tech yet premium. The resulting ‘VIP lounge, with its light, buttery leather and premium-stitched seats, exudes genuine sophistication.”
The all-wheel drive Resonance concept has a hybrid electric drivetrain that combines a one-motor, two-clutch system, with a gasoline engine and lithium-ion battery and powertrain management system.
The 5-, smallish, passenger 2014 Versa has an around view monitor, a navigation system with a driver distraction enabling “Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant,” and an active grille shutter that helps it deliver and expected 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy with the CVT transmission. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $13,990 with shipping for the new Versa Note was announced. . The 2013 Versa Sedan currently starts at $11,990.
