The Nissan Micra/March line of microcars has never been sold in the U.S., but it has been a cornerstone of Nissan's global product strategy since the early 1980s. Now, Nissan is launching the fourth generation of its microcar at this year’s Geneva auto show.
The new Micra, which is known as the March in Japan, will be an even more important product than the previous model, and this explains why the styling looks more conservative than the chic if somewhat effeminate third-gen model. Slightly longer and lower than before, with a mildly stretched wheelbase, the new Micra’s wheels appear to be pushed out to its corners. This feature allows for a slightly roomier interior, which Nissan describes as a “connected cocoon” design, with a “twin-bubble” theme that incorporates a circular instrument binnacle and similarly round-ish glovebox compartment.
While the Micra was developed primarily with Europe and Japan in mind, the new model will mostly target developing countries and the fast-growing Chinese market. In fact, it is launching in Thailand this month. Europe gets the car in the fall of 2010.
The new model rides on the company’s completely new V platform, which has been developed for a family of cars that is expected to deliver at least one million sales annually. The 2011 Micra, the first model on the architecture, will be powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter three-cylinder gas engine as standard in Europe. Output is rated at 79 hp and 80 lb-ft of torque, with carbon-dioxide emissions claimed to be 115 grams per kilometer. Both a five-speed manual gearbox and Nissan’s latest continuously variable transmission will be offered.
While an eventual turbo-diesel version is likely, especially for Europe, the only optional powertrain currently cited is a supercharged and direct-injected variant of the 1.2-liter. Rated at 97 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque, with a start/stop system that can be deactivated by a dash-mounted button, the boosted engine is said to be cleaner and more efficient than the base mill with only 95 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometer.
Lending to the upscale feel that is becoming ever-more common in the small-car segment, the Micra is well equipped with safety technologies and modern electronics. In addition to a reinforced body shell, European-market cars will feature six airbags, ABS, stability control, and seatbelt pretensioners as standard equipment. Backup sensors and a system for measuring the size of parking spaces—with Amateur, Normal, and Expert settings—are optional, as are keyless access and ignition, a touch-screen infotainment/navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic roof.
The Micra/March was never the most exciting of minicars, but there was the occasional interesting variation, including a quirky coupe-convertible. With the new model, the focus clearly is on practicality instead of fun. Do we want it here? That depends on how expensive gas gets again in the near future.
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