(February 6, 2012) Nissan has revealed the first details of a head-turning hatchback concept which previews the company’s next mainstream B-segment contender, to be sold alongside the Juke crossover.

Called Invitation, the dynamic concept — which will be unveiled at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show — shows some of the innovation and excitement promised for the new model, which is due to be launched in the UK and other European countries in 2013.

Invitation is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market. The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.

Nissan says the side of the car is dominated by a distinctive character line, known internally as the "Squash Line," which adds a powerful dynamism to its profile with distinctive sculpted front and rear wings giving Invitation a confident stance.

Inside, a refreshingly open cabin combines practicality and modernity with impressive levels of quality and purposeful technology features.

François Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, said: “The name we have given to this concept is self-explanatory. It is designed to be inviting thanks to its sensuous exterior design and generous and comfortable interior space, cleverly packaged within compact overall dimensions.”

Invitation is more than just a great looking car that’s fun and frugal to drive. The concept packs some of the most advanced technology ever seen in the B-segment, all of which is designed to ensure the car is as safe as possible.

Among the features is Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology — seen for the first time on a B-segment car — which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible. In addition, Invitation also incorporates the Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, which interacts with the driving environment keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.