Created by Nissan’s...

Created by Nissan’s North American division, the Forum is intended to appeal to both drivers and passengers. While its shape isn’t particularly revolutionary, the futuristic MPV body is wrapped around a huge cabin.

To achieve the sleek lines, Nissan has fitted trackless sliding rear doors. These give the practicality of those on a van, without the ugly runner spoiling the rear panels. Similar doors are likely to feature on Renault’s next-generation Espace.

The Forum saves most of its tricks for the interior. In the rear, designers have fitted multi-position swivelling second-row seats. To give easy access to the third row, there’s no B-pillar, and the front doors have been made to open to a 90-degree angle.

While the lack of a B-pillar would normally reduce stiffness, this feature could appear on future production models, because Nissan has developed a reinforced roof. This makes the body more rigid, leading to greater refinement and improved handling.

With one zone for parents and one for their children, the Forum could be the answer to arguing families’ prayers. In the front, parents get the latest in-car technology, while the kids in the back have a more comfortable and relaxed area to enjoy the view through the glass roof. There is even a microwave designed to be the perfect size for a bag of popcorn! But if the occupants get too rowdy, the Forum has cameras to keep an eye on the second and third row seats, while there’s a broadcasting loudspeaker system to help the driver to keep their passengers under control.

Designed to offer what Nissan calls a “family activity space”, the car gives an insight into the MPVs of the future.