Nissan Pivo 3 Concept bows in Tokyo

A short wheelbase, bulging angular fenders and tapered roofline give the Pivo 3 a distinct look. (Photo: Nissan)

show car. The Pivo 3 is Nissan's eighth EV (electric vehicle) concept and is apparently an example of a more "realistic" EV for the near future.

Nissan's Pivo 3 made its world debut at this year's Tokyo Motor Show earlier this month. It's the third Pivo to come along from Nissan, the original Pivo 1 having debuted back in 2005. "Pivo is one of the answers for active urbanists living in mature markets," said Francois Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division. "Through the three Pivo proposals, we have gained a deep understanding of their needs in such large, metropolitan areas."

The Pivo 3 has a unique, boxy exterior with bulging, angular fenders and a tapered roofline. Up front, the Pivo 3 sports some sinister looking headlights and a

Inside the Pivo 3 is one-plus-two seating that puts the driver in the middle. Side-view monitors replace conventional mirrors. (Photo: Nissan)

prominent blue Nissan badge. Around the back, the tiny concept features boomerang style taillights and another distinct blue Nissan badge.

With a length just under three metres, the tiny Pivo 3 Concept doesn't feature an engine under its hood but rather in its wheels. The quirky concept makes use of IWM (in-wheel motor) technology in its narrow-tread wheels, allowing for more space in the cabin.

A step inside the Pivo 3 reveals seating for three occupants in a one-plus-two configuration. Bright white surfaces, stitched leather,

Despite it's far-fetched looks and in-wheel motor technology, the Pivo 3 is closer to reality than previous Pivo concepts, and could go to market against rivals including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Scion iQ EV. (Photo: Nissan)

silver-hued trim and "EV blue" colour schemes abound. Together, they provide a fresh and modern interior ambience.

The Pivo 3 also features a pair of side-view monitors that replace conventional side-view mirrors. These monitors work in conjunction with Nissan's Around View Monitor system to inform the driver of the vehicle's surroundings, and they also help minimize blind spots. Ahead of the half-rimmed steering wheel is a vibrant monitor that displays GPS navigation information, vehicle speed and more.

As farfetched as its styling and powertrain might be, the Pivo 3 is a sensational concept that could very well come to market in a few years' time. With the advent of Nissan's all-electric Leaf family hatchback, a small electric city runabout like the Pivo 3 would compliment Nissan's vehicle lineup nicely. And with rivals Mitsubishi and Scion set to debut their own subcompact city cars with the i-MiEV and iQ EV respectively, the Pivo 3 makes even more sense.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>