To recap, the Nissan Micra was globally revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, and around the same time it was launched in Thailand. Production of the Micra commenced at the Chennai plant a few weeks after the global premiere, while the product was launched locally in July.
The diesel variants came subsequently in December 2010, and since then a couple of updates and special editions have also rolled out.
Unlike the Renault Pulse, the Nissan Micra is not an Indian market specific product. In fact the Chennai plant manufactures the Micra, a thirty year old nameplate, for almost the entire world. In recent years, global auto manufacturers introduce a mid-life makeover for their products by around three years into the launch.
This could mean one thing - the Micra facelift is just around the corner.
Our reader Dr.Kumar spotted an Micra test mule sporting an unseen body color and bluff camouflage around the untouched design features last month. While that vehicle is believed to be testing localized components and in a configuration that's specific to India to be able to compete in a lower price band, here's a photograph posted on Autocar India Forum by Mr. Rapper72 a few days back showing a cosmetically different Micra.
[Left - The facelift is certain to get a new color option, new wheels and refreshed plastic parts; Right - The original Micra will turn three years old next month]
As you can note from the spyshot and rendering, the bumper is new with a hexagonal registration plate enclosure, LED inserts on the tail light cluster and a wider clear lens section in the tail light detailing.
We don't have a spyshot of the front end, but as the mule is punting around Pune largely uncamouflaged, its only a matter of days before we get to see the changes to headlights, grille and bumper.
Nissan may not hassle the mechanical carriage of the Micra facelift, lovers of the 1.5L K9K diesel may be snubbed if Nissan modifies the gearing as in the current state, there's almost no turbolag accelerating through city traffic.
Nissan included rear headrests back in 2011 to comfort tall passengers at the rear. If at all there are any further updates to the cabin, it has to involve a LCD screen on the dashboard that can do audio, navigation and communication.
Nissan may unwrap the Micra refresh at the Geneva Motor Show next month. If not, expect it to be unveiled in a private ceremony in the next few months.
[Spyshot source - Autocarindia.com/forum]
