Nissan Compact Sport Concept Debuts in Shanghai

Nissan has just unveiled a new design study at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show. Called the Compact Sport Concept, it is the work of the company’s global design center based in Japan and the brand's Beijing design studio in China. This diminutive concept heralds a car designed primarily “for young customers in emerging countries”.

If you ask us, this is exactly how the Micra should have look like from the start: a three-door vehicle with coupe-ish looks and a bold fascia. We are especially fond of the back bumper, as it’s unlike anything else out there on the market.

At first glance, all the features of the car might look a bit too futuristic, but this study could actually be an exercise that leads to a production car in the demand for it exists. The concept loosely based on the Micra, as it borrows several elements from Nissan's supermini including the headlight and the two-part grille designs.

We haven’t told you yet the main reason why we like this concept, and that is because of its engine. In a world of hybrids, fitting a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine to a concept is the equivalent to automotive treason, but that’s exactly was Nissan has done and we love them for it.

So, if you want want a three-door, 190 hp, turbocharged Micra with a heavily-sculpted bodywork, with bulged wheel arches, massive bumpers and a windshield that wraps around the center part of the roof, than this is the car for you. If the car ever makes it to production, we do, however, hope that Nissan is wise enough to offer a 6-speed manual instead of the CVT in the concept.