The new Micra’s dashboard is well laid out, but price is not going to be less
Here at IAB, we’re not very sure about the size of the new Nissan Micra. We’re expecting it to be slightly bigger than the Chevrolet Beat. Wheelosphere is reporting that India gets a detuned petrol engine that delivers better fuel economy, black interiors, ABS, Airbags and push-buttom start. All the other gizmos will be there, but those fully loaded cars will be on ships sailing towards other countries.
Colin Dodge, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Company -
There are some strange things going on in India with some companies entering into a price war. I can tell you that’s not the road we want to go down. We won’t sell our Micra cheap and if that is not accepted in India then we will ship them to some other market where people are willing to pay for them
I can’t agree more with what Wheelosphere has published on their blog. Listen to what they’ve said
Wheelosphere -
Now, the million dollar question – Will the Micra sell in India? The bland looks, poor dealership network take the game away although the quality, powertrain refinement and ride quality balance that, which leaves us with the price – if priced well (which is highly improbable considering Colin Dodge’s remarks), the Micra could succeed in India, otherwise Nissan might just remain a spectator while other brands take over the market.
I don’t think Nissan is equipped to handle success in India. Their dealership network is not very strong and indications of normal pricing give rise to many doubts. Nissan should ramp up their dealer network and introduce the diesel model as early as possible.
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Spy photographers in Australia have caught a new Nissan Micra desperately trying to hide itself from prying eyes during Ad filming. The photographs somewhat provide an idea about the design features on the new small car which debuts in India this year.
Sitting on Nissan’s new V-platform, the Micra is lighter and more efficient than its predecessors. Using a similar design approach, the Micra’s trademark cuteness is retained. The curves, large grille, small brake light cluster and side profile of the car have been preserved.
A 3-cylinder 1.2-liter engine with 74hp output and 104Nm of torque is rumored, while a diesel engine is said to follow six months from the time of launch.
The Micra will make its International Debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Production of the car begins on the third week of May in Oragadam, Chennai.
While we were off air, some of our friends had posted images of the Nissan Micra on their websites taken at a factory in China.
Adding to the image count, here’s a close-quarters spy shot of a blue Nissan Micra. The Micra will come with a highly fuel efficient 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. Sources tell us the Micra might come with a engine start-stop button, feature seen in high-end cars.
The car will be unveiled in Thailand and will go on to make its debut on the international level at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year.
Production of the Nissan March/Micra (name undecided yet) will begin during the third week of May here at Oragadam, Chennai.
Autotelegraaf is reporting the next generation Nissan Micra which will roll out of the Chennai facility next year debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. The Geneva Motor Show this year served as the stage to cars like the Indica Vista EV and Nano Europa and next year’s show should prove as interesting.
Meanwhile Nikkei newspaper reports the Micra will be launched in India in May 2010
Nissan will use the Micra’s platform to introduce a sedan in the later stages of 2010 or 2011.
