Nissan Micra

Japanese auto major Nissan has launched its most-awaited premium hatchback model Nissan Micra in the Indian market on 14th July, 2010. Nissan has recently set-up its manufacturing plant at Chennai under a joint venture with Renault with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore. This new manufacturing plant has been set up with a capacity to produce 4 lacs unit of car per year but Nissan will initially produce only two lacs unit of cars. Nissan Micra is known as Nissan March in the Japanese market but it's Indian version is christened as Nissan Micra. The company official said that Nissan plans to launch seven new models from its product portfolio in the Indian market by next four to five years. Nissan Micra was launched in the Indian market with 3 petrol engine variants, with 5 speed manual transmission- initially. The petrol version of Nissan Micra is introduced with a 1.2L, 1198cc, DOHC, 12 valve, 3 cylinder engine that produces 76PS of top power at 6000 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm via five speed manual gearbox. The Nissan Micra petrol variants are: Nissan Micra XE, Nissan Micra XL and Nissan Micra XV.

The company has added a diesel version of the Nissan Micra in India which is powered by a 1.5 litre, SOHC, 8 valve, 4 cylinder common rail diesel engine that is capable of producing top power of 64 PS at 4000 rpm and generating maximum torque of 160 Nm at 2000 rpm via five speed manual gearbox. The diesel engine is more powerful than its petrol version. The Nissan Micra Diesel is offered with two variants i.e. XV and XV Premium. Nissan Micra is an excellent combination of new generation cutting edge technology, exceptional designs and advanced features. Nissan sees potential in the small hatchback segment auto market and the company has thus decided to launch number of new models in Indian market that will include Nissan Murano in the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) segment, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan ULC and Nissan Pixo. Nissan Micra petrol is priced within the range of Rs 3.98 lacs to 5.28 lacs.

Nissan Micra is packed with advanced features as standard that generally available in premium sedan model including safety measures. The stylish designed black and greige interiors with super cool dashboard and advanced instrument panel makes it stylish car. The incorporation of the ‘V-platform’ is one major factor contributing to the car's improved impact safety. The Nissan Micra is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, owing to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell. All variants including the entry level (XE) are equipped with driver airbag. The advanced safety features of Nissan Micra includes Dual Front Airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), Brake Assist (BA), engine immobilizer , front fog lamps, security alarm and many more advanced safety features.

Editor's take : The mileage of the Micra diesel is amazing, however the fuel efficiency of the petrol is decent.

The Nissan Micra petrol variants are powered with 1.2L, DOHC, 12 valve, 3 cylinder engine with 1198cc displacement that produces 76 PS of maximum power at 6000 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm through 5 speed manual transmission. The mill of the compact four-wheeler offers mileage of around 14 kmpl in city and 18.06 kmpl on highways . The Nissan Micra diesel is loaded with a 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder, 8 valve, SOHC, 1461cc, common rail powertrain that is capable of developing maximum power of 64 PS at 4000 rpm and 160 Nm of highest torque at 2000 rpm with the same 5 speed manual gearbox. This engine is not only powerful than its petrol version but also returns higher fuel efficiency as well. It delivers 23.08 kmpl of mileage that is best in the class , according to Central Motor Vehicle Rule Year 1989.

Editor's take : The power of the petrol and diesel isn’t much on paper, but it is very drivable and powerful engine.
 

As we already discussed that Nissan Micra is available with petrol and diesel engines that deliver amazing level of power and performance. The petrol operated Nissan Micra is powered by the 1.2L, 1198cc, DOHC, 12 valve, 3 cylinder, engine with Electronic Fuel Injection control  system that produces maximum power of 76 PS at 6,000 rpm and 104 Nm of maximum torque at 4,000rpm. The new offering from Nissan incorporates 5 speed manual gearbox that is powerful enough to take you from A to B destination swiftly. The diesel operated Nissan Micra incorporates a 1.5 litre, SOHC, 1461cc, 8 valve, 4 cylinder , common rail powerplant that is powerful enough to lay out highest power of 64 PS at 4000 rpm and crank out top torque of 160 NM at 2000 rpm via manual 5 speed transmission. If you want more engine output and mileage, Nissan Micra diesel is the right choice in Nissan stable.

These colors are available with all variants of Nissan Micra

Editor's take : The acceleration of the Micra is decent in the petrol and diesel mills. The K9K is known for its acceleration and mileage, while the petrol version has sufficient power too.
 

Noted that Nissan Micra is present, now, with both petrol and diesel engine that offer nimble power, performance, acceleration and mileage. The Nissan Micra petrol is launched with a 1.2L, 1198cc with Electronic Fuel Injection Control system and 5 speed manual transmission that  promise good performance and acceleration so that the car crosses the 100 kmph mark in just 14.5 seconds and it achieves the top speed mark of 160 kmph . The Nissan Micra diesel comes featured with a 1.5 litre, SOHC, 8 valve, 4 cylinder, 1461cc, common rail engine that ensures 64 Ps of top power at 4000 rpm and 160 NM of max torque at 2000 rpm through the very same manual five speed transmission. This vehicle promises better power and acceleration than its petrol sibling.

View Nissan Micra Exterior Pictures

The Nissan Micra is a small hatchback car model that sports stylish looks to its exteriors with dashing front and stylish headlamps and fog lamps which are placed next to its front grille. Its stylish body colored bumper adds more style to its exterior appearance from front view. Some of other funky features that make Nissan Micra exterior appearance more stylish are Body-colored door mirrors, Sporty Bumpers, Alloy Wheels, body coloured Door Handles, capsule shaped Headlamp cluster, etc. Roof antenna enhance the exterior look as well, it is available in all variants of Nissan Micra . The car also comes fitted with rear wiper and washer, electric park and fold mirror and electronically adjustable door mirrors.

A unique design feature of Nissan Micra is the double-layer integrated grille, which provides a stylish and sophisticated look to the car, yet maintaining a classical shape. There is also a stylized version of the distinctive arched side window line, something that is central to the Micra’s heritage, identity and appeal. The Nissan Micra comes with superb fit and finish along with smooth corners. The Nissan Micra diesel now coupled with a body colour roof spoiler; it is the only variant that comes with roof spoiler. The new version also houses 15 inch alloy wheels and rear defogger. Other exterior features remain the same as the top end petrol variant.

Exterior Measurements

The Nissan Micra is a five seater small hatchback model with spacious passenger room. The exterior dimensions of Nissan Micra are – its length is 3,780mm, width is 1,665mm, height is 1,530mm, wheelbase is 2450mm. The diesel version's height is 5mm less than petrol operated Micra. The front and rear tread specifications are: 1470mm & 1475mm (in petrol version) and 1460mm & 1465 mm (in diesel version)- respectively. The boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof have a clearly defined purpose too. The efforts of Nissan’s Global Production Engineering Centre also make it the lightest (XE-905kgs, XL-915kgs & XV -930kgs) yet sturdy hatchback in its segment. This has been achieved in numerous ways by reducing number of components and using newer manufacturing and material processing techniques.

View Nissan Micra Interior Pictures

Editor's take : Micra is a high-refined product form the Japanese automotive manufacturer. It is light and driving it is a breeze. The space is sufficient with decent seating.

The Nissan Micra is available with elegant interiors which is packed with attractive dashboard that  carries advanced instrument cluster including tachometer. Another unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies driver's with real time fuel economy information, cruising range and outside temperature. In addition, the driver side front power window is fitted with ‘one touch up/down’ feature along with a pinch guard.

All the Nissan Micra variants, except base petrol variant, feature integrated audio system with 4 speakers and AUX-in-Port , this is the trump card feature in the small car as most of the small/hatcback cars do not sport factory fitted audio system. Similarly, it is packed with manual AC in base variants and Auto AC in top end variants that is another welcome feature. Both the mouth-watering features are placed at centre dash in ultra modern design that enhance its beauty quotient; the AC vents are designed well and complement the overall dashboard concept. All the digital displays of the dashboard are illuminated by orange backlit. The instrument panel wears blackout theme with white rings and readouts. The interior appearance of Nissan Micra is much attractive and impressive with which has been packed with lots of advanced features that include power windows, power steering, leather covered gear knob and other leather upholstery. Some other features that make Nissan Micra more stylish and dynamic are Digital Clock, Luggage lamp, Tachometer, Front and Rear Door Pockets, Front and Rear Cup Holders, Leather Upholstery, etc. The interior colour scheme is black and greige, the latter is for the top end model. The Nissan Micra diesel has been coupled with greige interior colour scheme and intelligent key with push button ignition while its higher-end variant sports Automatic AC and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Interior Comfort

The Nissan Micra is a five seater small hatchback car model which is packed with lots of advanced features that offers higher level of comfort and convenience during journey. Some of the interior features that are available with the Nissan Micra are Manual and Auto AC, Integrated audio system, Aux-in-port, Comfortable Seats, Electric Powered and tilt adjustable Steering, Front and Rear Power Windows, Interior Fuel Flap Control, Low Fuel Warning Lamp, Passenger Side Front and Rear Grab Handles , Takeaway Convenience Hook, Rear Sliding Seat with 60:40 Split, Electric Heated Door Mirrors, Driver and Passenger Vanity Mirror, Front Map Reading Light, Parcel Shelf, etc. Apart from these ultimate comfort features, the Nissan Micra is assembled with central door lock, remote keyless entry and intelligent key with push button ignition. The car has ample legroom and shoulder room that provide desired comfort to all the passengers. Special attention has been paid to use of materials on the instrumental panel by using Micro-grain technology. This reduces the plasticky feeling and improves productivity by ensuring quality and finish for visual and tactile appeal.

Interior Measurements

The Nissan Micra is a five door, five seater small hatchback model that offers an ultra spacious passenger cabin.  The Nissan Micra is also equipped with a class competitive boot space of 251 litres that can easily carry those extra bags of shopping during travel.

Editor's take : Both the engines on the Micra are refined and drivable. The 1.5-litre diesel is a highly frugal engine with low NVH levels, both the petrol and diesel are recommendable. It all depends on your usage.
 

As we already discussed that the Nissan Micra is available with petrol and diesel engine,  the former is powered by the 1.2L, 1198cc, DOHC, 12 valve, 3 cylinder with Electronic fuel injection control system that can produce maximum power of 76PS at 6000rpm and 104Nm of maximum torque at 4000rpm via a five speed manual gearbox. The engine configuration  ensures wonderful performance that is obvious by seeing its torque value at low rpm. It's compression ratio is 9.8 and bore and stroke 78x83.6. The car is equipped with 5 speed manual transmission that uses the engine power and torque cleverly and offers agile power and pick-up. For those who are power and mileage crazy, the company has offered diesel powered Nissan Micra ; this version is equipped with a 1.5 litre, SOHC, 8 valve, 4 cylinder, 1461cc , common rail powertrain that is strong enough to churn out highest power of 64 Ps at 4000 rpm and belts out maximum torque of 160 NM at 2000 rpm using the five speed manual transmission.  Nissan Micra is assembled with electric power assisted rack and pinion steering which promises smooth handling. The car can be turned to a minimum turning of 4.65mm that give you the freedom of cruising it at your wish. The powertrain is developed to offer maximum fuel efficiency along with higher power which results in class leading performance. The Nissan Micra petrol version delivers a mileage of 14.5 kmpl in city and 18.06 kmpl on highways while the diesel Micra promises 23.08 kmpl of mileage, certified by Central Motor Vehicle Rule Year 1989.

The Nissan Micra is available with 14 inch Steel Wheels and 15 inch alloy wheels . All four wheel of this car are packed with puncture resistant tubeless radial tyres with size of 165/70R14. The wheels are covered with stylish wheel covers that add to the beauty of the charming vehicle. If you want to have 15 inch alloy wheels in your Micra, you can opt for XV Premium variant; this wheel is fitted with 175/60 tyres.

Editor's take : The handling of the Micra is decent for city driving, for which the hatchback has been built. The suspension set-up is softer.

All four wheels of the Nissan Micra has been equipped with vented large front disc brakes and with some advanced features like ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and Brake Assist , electric Power-assisted steering. These advanced features enhance the handling of this car and ensure that car will never skid out of control in case of emergency braking and enhances safety. The Nissan Micra houses front MacPherson Strut type suspension and rear Torsion Beam type forks that not only make your driving comfortable but also supports the vehicle's stability on the roads. With the 4.65 meter of turning radius, you can pass through tight corners and crowded places very swiftly. The company has made us surprise by skipping ABS, EBD and Brake Assist in the top-end diesel variant. It may be done due to keep the cost of diesel version as much low as to make it affordable.

Editor's take : The Micra gets all the safety features like ABS, and airbags. It is only in the diesel version that misses out on ABS even in the top of the line Micra doesn’t have.

To handle the Nissan Micra comfortably, it is provided with electric power assisted rack and pinion steering wheel, front ventilated brakes and rear drum brakes mated with ABS with EBD and BA. 4.65m of turning radius and latest suspension system allow you to control the vehicle quite easily. The gear shift knob is in compact size that allows quick gear shifting with ease.  The rigid suspension of the Nissan Micra deserves special mention as it increases drive quality and ensures comfort by eating up small to broad potholes with no error. The suspension system coupled with rigid chassis give desired stability to the Micra, this also helps the vehicle to go past 130 kmph with zero vibration. The car enables you to take sharp turns with the help of butter smooth steering wheel. The Nissan Micra is packed with number of advanced safety features including engine immobilizer, security alarm, Dual Front Airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist (BA), Three Point ELR seat belts, Front Seat Belt with Height Adjustment, Driver Seat belt Reminder, Halogen Headlamps, Central Locking, Front Fog Lamps, remote keyless entry, intelligent key with push button ignition etc. The incorporation of the ‘V-platform’ is one major factor contributing to the car's improved impact safety. The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, owing to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell.

Editor's take : The Micra comes loaded with bells and whistles that are now being introduced in other B+ segment hatchbacks like keyless entry, push start, electrically folding mirrors.

The Nissan Micra is mid segment small hatchback car but it is loaded with lots of luxury features. It is packed with the advanced integrated audio system with 4 speakers that offers best in class entertainment during journey. This audio system comes with Aux-in support so that you can connect any external device with it like iPod, Mobile phone etc . The Nissan Micra base variants are coupled with manual AC and higher-end variants come featured with Automatic AC that adds to the luxurious feeling of the cabin.