It is a long way from designing office and restaurant interiors, but London-based Conran & Partners teamed up with Nissan stylists for a new concept car unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The two companies joined forces to explore the interior of the Cube3 (Cube Cubic) giving what is a small car a premium quality feel to the inside.

Conran & Partners is well known for designing Conran Shops, which offer home furnishings, as well as restaurant management, architecture and offices.

Cube3 uses "references to Japanese DNA" based on ideas originating in London. Creative director Sebastian Conran regards "calm" as being a key element of this while the expression of Japanese beauty as a circle is demonstrated by the blending of circles joined by straight lines on the car.

Circular themes can be seen all round the car both outside and in while a milk-white glass skylight lets in soft light rather than the full glare of the sun.

Conran & Partners will not see its designs coming back to the UK, though. Elements of this concept may one day make it into production but only on cars for the Japanese market.

Interchange News Agency - 27 Oct 2003