Nissan Leaf previewed by IDS Concept in Tokyo

Nissan's IDS Concept shows off the future of autonomous technology, but also gives a preview to the look of the next generation of Leaf electric car

The Nissan IDS Concept, a four-seat hatchback that hints strongly at the styling of the next generation Leaf, has been revealed at the Tokyo motor show.

It has two different cabin configurations depending on whether the driver selects the conventional manual driving mode, or the 'piloted' mode built in via its on-board artificial intelligence.

"It's like relaxing in a living room," says design director Mitsunori Morita, who defines the trust-based communication that needs to exist between driver and autonomous-driving car with the phrase "Together, we ride". Even in manual mode the intelligent drive system is poised to assist if needed, providing more driving choices and greater control in braking and cornering.

The IDS Concept has a low roof height (1380mm) to reduce frontal area and improve aerodynamics, and runs on thin, big-diameter, aerodynamically designed wheels with 175 section tyres to minimise both air and rolling resistance. Its carbonfibre body makes it unusually light for a battery car.

Nissan's engineers say they have improved all aspects of IDS Concept's electric powertrain: motors, batteries and inverters. The combination of aerodynamics, lightness and a new, high-capacity 60kWh battery will allow the IDS Concept to "drive long distances", according to Nissan.

For the concept, designers have used a series of lights, including a silver side body line called the Intention Indicator, to signal the car's intentions to nearby pedestrians or cyclists. When a pedestrian is near, the strip turns red to indicate the car's awareness. Another display, which faces outward from the instrument panel, can flash messages such as "After you" to pedestrians. It's all part of their determination, say Nissan, to achieve zero emissions and zero fatalities to help create "a sustainable, car-based society".

As well as showing off the future of technology, insiders also suggest the Tokyo car's styling points to the next generation of Leaf, which is due by 2017. Nissan is considering expanding the Leaf sub-brand to include more models and body styles, according to the firm’s executive vice-president Trevor Mann - but the core of the range is still expected to be a five-door hatchback.