Nissan has released first on-sale details of its new Micra range. Replacing a quirky, somewhat girly and quite pricey predecessor, the new car doesn’t only offer better value and more space, but also a new 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine with low CO2 emissions.
The engine produces 56 kW at 6 000 r/min and 104 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min, and matched with a five-speed manual gearbox consumes a claimed 5,2 litres/100 km and emits only 124 g/km of CO2.
But the new 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine isn’t the only debutant on the new Micra, because this generation also utilizes the the new V-platform – which was developed to minimise overall weight, but still improve rigidity. The lighter engine and underpinnings seens the new Micra tips the scales at just 915 kg. More future models will be built on the V-platform, possibly also the next Tiida.
For those who prefer a little more grunt in a city car, there are two 1,5-litre engines also available – a petrol four-cylinder (73 kW, 134 N.m) and another four-cylinder in turbodiesel guise that produces 47 kW and 160 N.m.
The Micra is the first of a number of new Nissan passenger vehicles destined for South Africa. Coming later this year is the Juke crossover. The all-electric Leaf is another possibility. And a Tiida replacement is also very much on the cards.
Prices to be released in due course.