Indian hatchback segment is flooding up with new models of hatch and the latest one is the all new Nissan Micra Active. The Japanese automaker, Nissan has introduced its premium hatch Nissan Micra with major cosmetic updates at an event held in Mumbai. At the same time, it came up with a surprise package and presented its low cost version, Nissan Micra Active model lineup to the Indian auto market. This is the all new series in the segment, which comes at a very competitive price. It is the low cost version yet, one of the most featured hatchbacks in the segment. This new low cost version is made available in overall four variants with petrol engine as standard. Out of these four variants, Nissan Micra Active XV is the mid range version, which is bestowed with a list of attractive features inside. This mid range version is priced at just Rs. 4.39 lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi), which is very attractive. This will allow it to compete with many of the popular hatchbacks like Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Beat, Maruti Wagon R and several others in the segment. This is an ideal hatch for all those individuals who looks for an affordable four wheeler with great fuel efficiency. The company is claiming that this new low cost version is capable of returning a class leading mileage of 19.49 Kmpl, which is incredible.
Exteriors:
Nissan's surprise package, the all new Nissan Micra Active model series comes with the same body design and exteriors as the outgoing model. However, there are slight bit of changes you can notice in its front facade that brings a brand new sporty look to this hatch. Its has got a curvy headlight cluster with more detailing aspects, while it is incorporated with turn indicators. There is a small perforated radiator grille, while the stylish company logo is placed on top of the hood, just above the grille. It also gets a sporty new bumper with a large air dam and air ducts that changed the face of this hatch. Its side profile remains to be the same as the design of outgoing Nissan Micra, but it gets a black colored OVRMs and door handles. When it comes to the rear end design, it is blessed with the same headlight cluster and body colored bumper while the company's logo is placed on the boot door. Its entire design is much identical to the previous Nissan Micra but major changes comes in the form of a new style bumper, headlight cluster and radiator grille. You can choose this low cost Nissan Micra Active in about six different color shades that include Turquoise Blue, Blade Silver, Brick Red, Olive Green, Storm white and Onyx Black.
Interiors:
The interior section of this hatch retains the design of previous Nissan Micra. However, there are some refinements you can notice, which makes the interiors plush and elegant. It gets a dual toned interior cabin with a black colored dashboard that is equipped with AC Vents, glove box, central console and others. There is a three spoke power assisted steering wheel on which the company logo has been incorporated. The gearshift knob is wrapped in leather while the seats have been covered with premium fabric upholstery. When it comes to the interior cabin space, there is a huge legroom, shoulder room and headroom space that assures comforts for at least five passengers . While there is a good amount of luggage storage space at the rear with a storage capacity of about 241 litres, which is quite good. This new hatch comes with a list of attractive interior features include bottle holders, cup holders, air conditioner, stylish instrument cluster, tachometer, key less entry and many more.
Engine and Performance:
The all new Nissan Micra Active XV is the mid range version in its series and it blessed with a high performance petrol engine. The company has equipped this mid range version with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, 12-Valve petrol engine that has the displacement capacity of 1198cc. This engine can release a maximum 66.64bhp at 5000rpm and generates a maximum 104Nm of torque output at 4000rpm. While this engine is based on the DOHC valve configuration and it is further mated to a manual transmission gearbox. This transmission will derive the power from engine and transmit it to the front wheels and helps it to return a class leading mileage of about 19.49 Kmpl, which is incredible.
Braking and Handling:
Braking and handling is perhaps the most important aspect for any car in the automobile segment. The Japanese automaker has blessed this new hatch with a reliable braking system that works efficiently with disc and drum brakes combination. Its front wheels are offered with ventilated disc brakes, while the drum brakes are fitted to the rear wheels that performs well in all conditions . On the other hand, handling this low cost hatch will be utmost simple as it gets a very responsive electric power assisted steering system. In addition to this, McPherson Strut fitted to the front axle and torsion beam suspension system fitted to the rear wheel will give a fabulous drive comfort to the passengers.
Safety Features:
When it comes to the most important safety aspects, this Nissan Micra Active XV trim gets some of the most sophisticated functions that protects the vehicle all the time. These include central door locking, speed sensing auto door lock, engine immobilizer system, driver seat belt warning indicator, door ajar warning indicator, low fuel level warning , key remove warning and some other advanced features.
Comfort Features:
Nissan is offering its newest hatchback model Nissan Micra Active at a very attractive price. However, it hasn't compromised on the comfort features inside this mid range trim and equipped it with some thrilling set of features. The list of features include, manual AC, audio system with AM/FM, AUX-In/USB support, front speakers, front and rear power windows, internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors , passenger side vanity mirror, adjustable rear headrest, cup holders, bottle holders, 12V power outlet and many more features.
Pros: Appearance is good, price is attractive, comfort features are impressive.
Cons: Not-so-attractive safety features, mileage can be improved.
