2013 NAIAS: Nissan Resonance Concept and 2014 Versa Note
The future of Nissan’s crossover lineup should be bright if the Resonance concept is allowed to inspire their styling. We like the profile a lot and when toned down for production the front and rear should make a great next-generation Murano. The interior is also a beautiful exercise with a light and airy design and technology overload. The concept is said to be powered by a hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain with a CVT doing the shifting duties like in many Nissans so it’s probably safe to assume we’ll see a hybrid Murano in the near future. As long as it looks as good as the Resonance we won’t care what powers it.
Resonance Concept
Photos by Jason Muxlow
The Nissan Versa sedan is, uh, basic transportation. Unlike other bargain basement rides like the Chevrolet Spark and Ford Fiesta, Nissan hasn’t placed a priority on styling. We’re glad to see that change at least a little with the upcoming 2014 Versa Note 5-door. The companion model will offer a 1.6-liter I4 producing 109 hp and helping the Versa return 40 mpg on the highway. A manual transmission is available on the base trim but then you’ll be forced to utilize a CVT. For a car starting at $13,990 we were surprised to see Nissan piling on the technology options like Navigation with traffic updates, AroundView 360-degree camera system, streaming Pandora audio and hands-free text messaging but such are the demands of today’s youth.
Versa Note
Photos by Jason Muxlow
