Just as a white tee-shirt is usually worn casually, but can be combined with a suit to look sharp, Nissan Townpod mixes the comfort and style of a passenger car with the businesslike utility of a commercial vehicle. Like the tee-shirt, Nissan Townpod can be used for business or pleasure or, as is increasingly popular, by those for whom business is pleasure. Externally Nissan Townpod consists of many familiar elements, yet it is different. It employs the same zero-emission technology found within Nissan LEAF. The semi-silvered coating over the indicators is not just for effect. The mirror-like finish turns them into modern reflectors when the turn signals are not in use. The rear lights are designed to reflect light like cut jewels when not in use, and to sparkle rather than simply glow when illuminated. Innovative hinges allow the rear doors to slide, then open in confined spaces and then fold to the side of the car so as not to obstruct passing traffic or pedestrians. A hatch-like sun roof, directly above the cargo area, allows Nissan Townpod to carry taller objects.
The idea of simple form following function continues within Nissan Townpod. The cargo area, passenger space and dashboard are remarkably uncluttered yet do not feel Spartan. The driver is faced with an uncomplicated yet futuristic steering wheel and two familiar stalks to operate the lights and wipers, but other than these controls – which are beautifully simple in their own light – the flowing dashboard is devoid of mechanical switches. Forward or rearward drive is selected using an uncomplicated joystick set into the right-hand side of the driver’s seat base.
All controls for ancillaries such as climate control and media playback are accessed through two centrally mounted digital screens. The upper monitor serves as an instrument panel, displaying car speed, battery status and remaining range as well as a satellite navigation system. The lower touchscreen provides all controls for the navigation system, allows users to perform system checks on the whole car and operates Nissan Townpod’s audio system. Just as Nissan Townpod can connect wirelessly with the driver’s PDA, so it will also be able to access occupant’s personal music collections, or whatever device they use to receive Internet radio.
