Concept 20-23 could preview hot Micra EV

One-off from London studio

- Jordan Katsianis

● Inspired by Formula E racer

THE studio in A west London turns 20 this year - and to celebrate, the Japanese brand has revealed this new showcase called Concept 20-23, potentially previewing an electric hot hatch.

Typically focused on global and European market projects, NDE was responsible for the design of sales hits such as the Qashqai and Juke, forming a critical part of Nissan's global design team. This Concept 20-23, however, is a moment of freedom for its designers, and combines the Japanese brand's small-hatchback heritage with a vision of the ultimate urban car of the future.

Although it's a pure design concept for now, it's obvious this celebratory one-off is inspired by Nissan's forthcoming all-electric Micra, which will share underpinnings with the new Renault 5 due next year. Elements such as the oversized circular lighting signature and the car's basic silhouette are drawn from the next Micra hatchback, which should follow the R5 in 2024. However, the Concept 20-23's design is much more experimental, with big aerodynamic features and lots of extreme details.

Inspired by Nissan's Formula E racer, the concept has only two doors, compared with the five-door configuration for the future production car. This has allowed the designers to create large air intakes out of the rear window openings. These flow into a wraparound rear screen, while detached from that is the roof-mounted rear wing. This is finished in contrasting black (along with the roof) when compared with the lighter finish for the bodywork.