Nissan IMk concept previews future model styling

Nissan has uncovered its IMk concept car ahead of this month’s Tokyo motor show, showcasing its vision of future model designs with an all-electric kei car.

Adopting a new design philosophy dubbed ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’, the IMk concept is finished in an ‘Akagane’ exterior colour that pays tribute to copper artwork, and a new take on the ‘V-motion’ front grille that is stacked to look like wooden slats.

Other exterior highlights include cross-style wheels, a floating roof design, stacked tail-lights and a roof-mounted spoiler.

Measuring 3434mm long, 1512mm wide and 1644mm tall, the IMk is around 500mm shorter and 200mm narrower than a Toyota Yaris, but sports a similar height.

Inside, the tallboy kei car allows for a bench-style seat and minimalist interior with cooper and wood highlights.

Instrumentation is handled by a bezel-free screen for a floating effect, while holographic displays are also used to convey driving information.

Inside, the tallboy kei car allows for a bench-style seat and minimalist interior with cooper and wood highlights.

“To meet customers’ demands for nimble driving characteristics and connectivity that fits a wide range of needs and lifestyles, Nissan set out to create a city runner that would stand apart from any other car in the segment,” the Japanese brand said.

No details have been revealed about the emissions-free drivetrain however, but Nissan said “the electric motor delivers excellent acceleration and a high level of responsiveness that’s effective in stop-and-go traffic and even on steep slopes”.

Aside from the all-electric drivetrain, the IMk concept is also fitted with Nissan’s latest ‘ProPilot’ driver assist technologies, including a valet system to automatic park the vehicle and a semi-autonomous driving capability.

Nissan executive design director Satoru Tai hinted that the IMk concept could spawn a production version down the line, but given its kei car status, will likely remain confined to the Japanese domestic market.

“As a small EV for a new era, the Nissan IMk is designed to be at home in sophisticated cityscapes as much as in traditional Japanese towns,” he said.

The IMK is 200mm narrower than a Toyota Yaris.

“The IMk fuses a modern, clean look, driven by its Japanese heritage, with cutting-edge EV technology.

“It’s a luxury small EV that I hope a lot of customers are going to drive.”

The IMk concept could also herald fellow alliance member Mitsubishi’s mooted all-electric kei car, with both brands splitting to development and production work.

A future Nissan and Mitsubishi electric kei car compete against Honda’s e model, which will launch in select European by year’s end.