Nissan's Sway Concept Is A Fresh And Funky Spin Small Hatchbacks

Nissan wants to really give small hatchbacks a bold and funky new look, and that isn’t always easy. The Sway points to the company’s newest shift in design direction and hints at the company’s intentions to have the first wearer be their new Micra, which is due for an update. 

The concept that’s seen at the 2015 Geneva Motor show does include the usual dash of impractical but nonetheless cool show-car flourishes such as the lack of a B-pillar as a result of those suicide doors, as well as that trick futuristic interior complete with glass panel roof. Nissan’s design Chief, Shiro Nakamura, said “"With this new concept car for Geneva, we are experimenting to see how Nissan might be able to bring fresh ideas to the compact hatchback segment." The swept-back headlamps that Nissan wanted to “create the impression of a pair of eyes” with, overall body shape, and the company’s “V-Motion” grille should not encounter much resistance in the way of production adaptability, however.

Although this could serve as a template for Nissan’s future small cars (particularly those aimed at the European market), the Sway remains firmly a concept; a design study. Nissan is keeping their lips sealed about the possible rollout timeline of a production model featuring these new design elements, as well as possible engine options concerning a future Sway/Micra, and least of which about a possible NISMO version.

Overall, this is one of the most well-proportioned, thoughtfully realized designs to come from Nissan in quite some time and should this foreshadow its future cars, we can rest easy knowing they’ve got the design chops to make something this compact look this good.