What is it?

The Nissan Ellure is a saloon with suicide doors, a quite snazzy interior and masses of interior space. The Japanese company says it's 'an expression of Nissan's long-term vision for the next generation of sedans,' and it features such epochal touches as eco-fabric for the seats and touch-screen interfaces.

Oh, and it's a hybrid, in case you hadn't already guessed that, with a 2.5-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor.

Why's it here?

Maybe it's too much LA sunshine, but Nissan seems to have gone barking mad. Following the Murano CrossCabriolet - a convertible crossover, lest ye forget - we have this D-segment saloon. Not in itself very mad - but it's aimed at 'active women in their 30s and 40s'.

And the way it's done that is, as far as we can see, with a bit of red carpet. "Ooh, red," the active women will say. Toyota.

Show stopper or floor filler?

This is a very smart looking saloon, but we don't think it will be gracing a showroom any time soon. Nissan has got a very nice line in small cars and crossovers, thanks very much, and there are already more than enough Peugeot convertibles for active women in their 30s and 40s.

Click here to view the 2010 LA Auto Show page.

Mark Nichol - 18 Nov 2010