Nissan Hyper Tourer design review: ‘A technical achievement’

Premium, ultra-luxury multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are not very popular in the SUV-loving West. But in many Asian countries, drivers enjoy the spacious interior space, high comfort and luxurious furnishings that an über-MPV offers. The Koreans have the giant Hyundai Staria and the Japanese can’t get enough of the grand Toyota Alphard, the latter of which has been built for four model generations and was also introduced in 2019 as the ultra-luxury Lexus LM. Asian and foreign manufacturers meet the need for space: the large LiAuto Mega and Buick GL8 – not available in the Netherlands – are very luxurious locally.

The enormous interior space of the four-wheeled resort is entirely devoted to the benefit of the rear seats. Why the need for space? Families are often formed in the Far East: elderly parents or parents live with their children, taking care of grandchildren. Such a house longs for a four-wheeled paradise. This emphasis on freedom of personal movement – a great advantage in often densely populated big cities – indicates how different Asians’ needs, style and consumption habits are from our own. Space is a real luxury there.

The luxury minibus focuses on nurturing and strengthening bonds as people travel together. With a strong focus on The finer things in life: Enjoying the company of friends and colleagues, whether on a road trip or a business trip. The MPV was also very popular here in Europe. The famous first generation Renault Espace was often photographed in front of a high-speed train in its day; The connections between the cozy wonders of space are countless.

Training as inspiration for the Nissan Hyper Tourer

Japanese car designers also love trains, especially bullet trains. The Japanese maglev train inspired Nissan’s design studio to create the Hyper Tourer. The Hyper Tourer is a technical achievement from Nissan. Mastodon monolith. The large front volume, which is raised towards the rear in both side and top views, so that it sweeps forward aesthetically effortlessly, has a uniquely Japanese form factor.

Visual in one piece

The massive MPV has an exceptionally clean and interesting design. Clearly not inspired by cars, this large, monolithic space is visually carved out of one part of the building: the lines flow in a single movement from the top of the car body to its bottom.

The digital, Kumiko-style fascia, lacking quilted headlights, matches flawlessly and consistently with the fabric rear. It has an equally refreshing design in the subdivision of big and bulky graphics. Digital fading is found applied to the lights on the wheels, with no clear dividing line between the usually defined rim and tire. Very special and consistent – ​​well watched!

The wide body panels and sharp lines exude traditional Japanese beauty. The wings flow diagonally from the front bumper to the rear bumper for higher aerodynamic performance and, by design, provide a visually smooth ride. With the Hyper Tourer concept, Nissan offers a new vision of comfortable and luxurious group travel in a stylish and futuristic package. There is also a need for space here, just because of the mixed families. So, when will the four-wheeled space paradise finally arrive in Europe?