Tag: micra

Nismo Micra may be in Nissan India’s plans

The Micra has performed averagely in the Indian markets since its launch in 2010 and Nissan is well aware of it. The hatchback’s facelifted version was launched in India, immediately after its international unveiling, and with more universally attractive styling too. Reports from Autocar India suggest that Nissan is now pondering over the introduction of a hot version of the Micra, tuned by its performance division, Nismo (Nissan Motorsport).

The new Nismo Micra was revealed internationally soon after the base version and features lots of tempting updates. The Nismo Micra (or March, as it’s called in Japan) offers new bumpers, side skirts and wheels and lots of typical Nismo red accents. The international version gets a different exhaust, stiffer suspension and bigger brakes as well, but these features may not make it to India due to cost-cutting, assuming the car makes it to India at all. The Nismo Micra also has sporty and comfortable interiors.

The international model’s 114bhp, 16kgm, 1.5-litre petrol engine should however make it on to the Indian version. Nissan is working hard to make the deal go through, and introduce the Nismo Micra in the increasingly competitive Indian market, however the move has not been finalised yet. If it does go through, we can expect the car to cost upwards of Rs. 8 Lakh.

[Autocar India]

July 5, 2013
Nissan launches facelifted Micra and cheaper variant called Active

The facelifted Nissan Micra has been launched in India, and it now comes with the option of a CVT to rid you of any gear-shifting troubles you may have. For those of you who aren’t aware, a CVT or a continuously variable transmission can shift steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between specified minimum and maximum values. This rids the car of any sudden gearshifts and eliminates jerky changes which may occur in standard auto gearboxes.

Anyway, back to Nissan, who will also be offering a low-cost variant of the Micra called the Micra Active henceforth. Prices for the Micra Active start at Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Micra has an updated front end with new headlamps, a larger grille and a deeper chin putting forth an aggressive face for the hatchback. The bonnet and front fenders have been played with as well, to accommodate the new headlamps. The overall length of the car is up by 45mm as compared to its predecessor. At the rear, there are LED tail-lamps, a new rear bumper and a plastic add-on for the tail gate lip. The new Micra also gets new alloy wheels.

Step inside and you’ll find new reshaped seats, to provide better support. The centre console is glossy black and plenty of silver highlights catch one’s eyes on the dash and doorpads. Keyless entry and go, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux-in ports and a reversing camera have been added to the features list.

The CVT ’box is available only with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. The carmaker claims that the new gearbox is very fuel efficient (19.34kpl) and improves upon the standard five-speed manual’s economy (18.44kpl). The sound insulation has also been improved and the suspension has been tweaked. The 1.5-litre diesel delivers 23.08kpl (all fuel economy figures are ARAI claimed).

The 2013 Micra Diesel can be ordered in four trims, but the petrol is available in only three and the CVT ‘box option can be ordered only with the XV petrol variant.

It’s younger brother, the Micra Active is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol motor which provides 19.49kpl (ARAI claimed). Three variants are on offer, the XE, XL and XL (Safety). Dual airbags, central locking and EBD, among other features make it onto the car.

2013 Nissan Micra Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Diesel

XL: Rs 5.9L
XL (Option): Rs 6.43L
XV: Rs 6.9L
XV Premium Rs 7.14L

Petrol

XL: Rs 4.79L
XL (O): Rs 5.42L
XV CVT (Auto): Rs 6.39L

Nissan Micra Active Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Petrol only

XE: Rs 3.5L
XL: Rs 4.01L
XV: Rs 4.3L
XV (Safety): Rs 4.71L

July 4, 2013
Datsun unveiling sub Rs. 4 Lakh hatchback on July 15th

India will witness the revival of the iconic Datsun brand at Kingdon of Dreams in Gurgaon, Haryana on the 15^th of July this year. Datsun has announced that the first car of their comeback will be unveiled at the event, and Carlos Ghosn, global CEO of the Renault-Nissan alliance, is expected to do the honours. The new Datsun will be a hatchback based on the previous generation Nissan Micra.

The new car is expected to arrive with a host of styling changes compared to the dated Micra, and will be smaller in terms of exterior dimensions but roomier inside. It will be powered by the Micra’s 1.2 litre petrol engine with no information about a diesel unit yet.

Datsun is aiming to sell 1.50 lakh to 2 lakh cars in India every year and is therefore expected to price their models very competitively. In agreement with their philosophy of quality at a budget, rumours are that the Datsun hatchback will be priced under Rs 4 lakh. This puts it into direct competition with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon, which offer comparatively smaller engines (796 and 814cc respectively). The Datsun may already have an advantage, being more powerful than all its rivals while also matching their fuel efficiency.

A larger model with a seven-seater option is also being planned for the Datsun range of cars in India. This model is expected to compete with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. and the Japanese automaker plans to launch all three models at the 2014 Auto Expo.

June 13, 2013
New Nissan Micra Revealed, To Go on Sale In End-2013

Nissan has officially revealed the facelifted Micra which is expected to go on sale worldwide in late 2013. It seems that Nissan has taken inspiration from its compact SUV, the Juke to style the new Micra with some visual tweaks for 2013.

A Juke-style front grille, new front bumper, triangular fog lights and angular headlights are the main changes. The back of the 2013 Micra shows a new bumper, modified tailgate trim and LED taillights. It can be optionally fitted with 16-inch polished alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, new paint hues and a park assist system.

Inside medium- and top-spec models, you get a new gloss-black centre console with different air vents, and a bigger infotainment screen (up from 5in to 5.8in). You can spec a parking space measurement gizmo that’ll inform the driver if the gap they’re sizing up is big enough to fit the Micra. There’s also standard USB and MP3 player connectivity, and a redesigned instrument cluster. Nissan has announced the mentioned features for European models so we wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of these features never make their way to the Indian market due to cost-cutting.

Two three-cylinder engines are available: a 79bhp 1.2-litre petrol version, or a supercharged, direct-injection model with 97bhp. There will be a choice of five-speed manual or CVT auto transmission. The Nissan Micra hatchback is the company’s big export volume puller in India and contributes a major fraction to its profit margins. At present, Nissan Motor India assembles the Micra car at its Oragadam manufacturing facility based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

June 3, 2013