Nissan South Africa has finally revealed that the fifth-generation Micra, which was revealed at the Paris Motor Show way back in September 2016, is scheduled to launch on local shores in June 2018.
The local arm of the Japanese brand furthermore confirmed that the SA-spec version would be offered with a 66 kW turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol engine (yes, the one used in the Renault Clio, courtesy of the Renault-Nissan alliance), likely linked to a five-speed manual.
Since the local arm hasn’t mentioned the naturally aspirated 52 kW 1,0-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit and 66 kW 1,5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant offered in some overseas markets, we’re guessing they won’t be part of the local range (at launch, at least).
Nissan SA promises that it will offer the new Micra with “an impressive specification list” that includes items such as “a modern infotainment system” (with Apple CarPlay) as well as comprehensive safety features in the form of six airbags and ABS with EBD.
The fifth-generation Micra will furthermore be sold with a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a three-year/90 000 km service plan.
Of course, late in 2017 the local arm of the Japanese automaker launched a reinvigorated version of its fourth-gen hatchback, which it called the Micra Active. And, interestingly, this budget derivative – which competes with the likes of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo – will soldier on even after the new (lower, longer and wider) Micra arrives in June.
