All-new Nissan Micra unveiled

Nissan has pulled the wraps off the next-generation Micra for Europe, the world’s largest hatchback market. It’s a bigger, more premium offering than the outgoing model that’s manufactured and sold in India, and is even exported from here. Unlike the current car that rivals the Suzuki Swift in Europe, the new model takes on bigger hatchbacks like the Suzuki Baleno.

Exteriors
The Micra adheres to the looks of the Sway concept on which it is based. To complement its sharp and sporty looks, the Micra uses big 16-inch wheels as standard; 17-inchers are optional. Measuring 3,995mm long and 1,742mm wide, it’s about the size of a Suzuki/Maruti Baleno, but is lower at 1,452mm. It’s built on completely new underpinnings, which, according to Nissan, has made the car a keener handler than its predecessor.

Interiors and Equipment
On the inside, the hatchback makes use of soft-touch materials which it shares with Nissan’s costlier cars like the Qashqai. It has a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and its steering column is adjustable for reach and rake. Higher variants even get a bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s paired to a Bose audio system. Range-topping models comes with electronic aids like lane departure and blind spot warning and a 360deg camera, features usually found on much more expensive cars.

Engine and Transmission
The Micra gets a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel, plus a turbocharged 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, both producing 90hp. A 70hp, non-turbo version of the petrol motor and a more powerful 123hp version of the 0.9 turbo will follow later. All engines will get a standard manual gearbox, while a CVT automatic will be offered on some versions.

Nissan will start building Micras in December 2016, and plans to have them on sale in both right and left-hand drive markets by next March. India though, is unlikely to get this version. Instead, the carmaker is said to be developing an all-new hatchback for our market. It is likely to be based on the current Micra’s V-platform that the Renault-Nissan Alliance has localised here.