2004 Nissan Tone Concept

Though this spirited vehicle was exhibited for the first time as a concept car at the recent Paris Motor Show, Nissan officials

Although the Tone was only recently unveiled as a concept car, Nissan officials have already given a production version the green light. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

have already given a production version the green light. It could be likely that we will see real aluminum in the cockpit, following in the tire tracks of bigger brother Murano, it's highly unlikely the fancy silver and purple, weave-leather seating will make it to a showroom near you anytime soon. Nevertheless, the Tone's overall cockpit design should carry over to production, with a few minor changes.

The Tone will be built at Nissan's Sunderland plant in England, home to the Micra and Primera, which was recently awarded the title of Europe's most productive automotive assembly facility. Though production has been set for 100,000 units globally, don't get your hopes up as Canada isn't on the export list. It's unfortunate for us, as this vehicle might just be the car to provide the vision to other entry-level manufacturers of what the enthusiast driver truly wants: the utopian dream being a no-sacrifice-family-hauler. What's unfortunate for Nissan is the fact that Mazda has already promised its upcoming 7-occupant Mazda5 mini-minivan will be coming to Canada and the U.S. next spring. Nissan may want to reconsider its position if the Mazda5 sees success.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 5-door Mini-Minivan
• Layout: front-engine, FWD
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,055 / 1,705 / 1,542 / 2,600 mm (159.6 / 67.1 / 60.7 / 102.4 in)
• Website: www.nissan.ca