By Nissan has recently unveiled its latest urban electric vehicle (EV) concept, aptly named the 20-23, marking a significant milestone for Nissan Design Europe (NDE), which has been located in London for two decades. To commemorate this occasion, Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s President and Chief Executive Officer, graced NDE with the introduction of the sleek and sporty Nissan Concept 20-23. The grand unveiling of Concept 20-23 took place on a floating barge moored in the scenic Paddington Basin along the Grand Union Canal, showcasing the unique and inspiring surroundings that influence NDE’s design philosophy. This project was a collaborative effort, with young and talented members of NDE’s team given the freedom to design a city car without constraints, a car they would want to drive on the city streets where they work.
The name “Concept 20-23” carries special significance, symbolizing both the 20-year presence of NDE in London and the year of its reveal. It also carries on Nissan’s tradition of infusing playfulness into hatchbacks and city cars, a tradition that can be traced back to iconic models like the Be-1, Pao, Figaro, and S-Cargo. The Concept 20-23 boasts a cutting-edge 3-door hatchback design with extreme aerodynamic features. These features include front and rear aerodynamic add-ons, deep skirts directing airflow, and vents behind the front wheels for brake cooling. The LED headlights sport a distinctive semi-circle design, contributing to the car’s friendly appearance.
Moving to the side, muscular wheel arches house large wheels with low-profile tires, while vented louvres on the arches help reduce air resistance. At the rear, a single-piece spoiler enhances aerodynamics without compromising visibility. The rear lights mimic the front’s semi-circle LED design and emphasize the car’s width with a horizontal bar. Inside, the sporty theme continues with scissor doors for entry and deep bucket seats offering both support and comfort. The steering wheel is adorned with various controls and paddle shifters for adjusting the electric powertrain’s performance. The minimalist interior design focuses on functionality, with vital information displayed on screens, mirroring the simplicity of real racing cars and racing simulators. With its futuristic and sporty design, the Nissan Concept 20-23 provides a glimpse into the next generation of Micra-inspired city EVs, merging tradition with innovation in a way that only Nissan can.
