The silver, sky-reflecting surface areas of the sleekly styled Actic are smooth and slightly curvaceous. Actic headlights, front grille and taillights all blend seamlessly with the body panels, creating an overall surface that is devoid of clutter, add-ons and unnecessary sculpturing.
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| The Actic's headlights, front grille and taillights all blend seamlessly with the body panels. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
The interior styling, however, remains a bit of a mystery. Orange is the dominating hue for the modular set up, a love it or lump it color choice. Although the Actic features all the comfort and conveniences of modern automobiles, I would describe it as adhering to the "minimalist concept" in design. But that's likely the point. Tom Semple says, "we have entered an age of very personal transportation. Actic users, by bringing their own content to the vehicle, make it their own." In my case the Actic interior would be full of mountain bikes, skis and empty coffee cups. OK, I suppose I get it.
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| Nissan has definitely taken a minimalistic approach to the Actic's orange interior. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
The Gen-X target customer would also likely fill the Actic with outdoor gear, if produced, although I'd venture to speculate that skateboards and snowboards would be what clutters up their Actic's open space. Incidentally, that space can be easily accessed via a rear hatch.
With the outdoor life in mind, NDA collaborated with well-known camping trailer manufacturer Airstream to create the matching Actic trailer. This smooth, well-worn bar of soap design looks great behind the Nissan concept, but that's not all. The trailer is highly functional. Its inflatable wall system can raise the trailer's lid and create a comfortable place for sleeping three people - although Nissan doesn't state how well the three would have to know each other.
While the intriguing Actic is nothing more than a conceptual vehicle at this point, I must applaud Nissan for thinking outside the typical automotive box. Regardless of whether the Actic becomes a reality or not, it's reassuring to know that in these days of ultra-performance cars at ultra-performance prices, some car manufacturers are focusing on potentially providing more frugal purchasers with technology, versatility and adaptability in an entry-level vehicle. Now I'm left curious to see what aspects of this concept make it to production and then, just which rival automakers follow Nissan's lead.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 5-door sedan/hatchback/minivan/SUV crossover with trailer
- Layout (estimated): front engine, AWD
- Base Engine (estimated): 245 hp, 246 lb-ft of torque, 3.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission (estimated): variable CVT with steering-wheel controls
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Web Site: www.nissan.ca
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