Thursday, August 20, 2015
Nissan’s new Micra: Prices must be in line with current models
Micra, the hatchback which gave Nissan a lifeline in the Indian auto market, has got a refurbished (masculine) look and the overhauled variant is set to make its way into Europe first but it would take a while to come to India, hopefully within a month and half, where sales would depend on whether prices are in line with the current models.
The engine types are likely to remain similar to the current Micra - a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel one.
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| The Nissan new Micra. |
Also, in India, Nissan plans to roll out the new Micra with the X-Tronic CVT gearbox for the petrol version only.
This is the same transmission that comes in the Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala automatic. For the Micra, Nissan has re-programmed the software owing to the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine.
According to Nissan, the changes are ‘comprehensive’, which is much more than just a mere makeover. Besides a refurbished interior, the new Micra also comes with fresh looks so far as front and rear ends go.
There is also a litany of new technology and entertainment options. A new trim, enhanced quality fabrics and more textured plastics have been added to the Micra to give its visual appeal a further fillip.
Exterior changes are a fresh front end with a new grille, bonnet, bumper, headlights and fog light surrounds. At the rear, there are refurbished LED lights, fresh tailgate trim and a redesigned bumper.
Nissan’s rallying point is that the X-Tronic CVT is highly fuel efficient, and the company claims it is five per cent better compared to the old Micra with the conventional five-speed manual.
A traditional torque converter-based automatic is usually less efficient than a manual transmission. Other changes include enhanced sound insulation and tweaked suspension settings to improve stability of the car.
The new Micra will also have new alloy wheel designs and a range of colour choices along with USB and Bluetooth connectivity in some variants. The higher variants to be introduced in India may come with parking sensors as well.
The facelift has enhanced the overall garb of the Micra. Standard equipment, including the slew of safety and comfort features, will certainly give a big fillip to the value of the car.
Nissan’s total sales have been around 37,000 cars in the previous financial year, and this year, the Japanese automaker is targeting to sell one lakh units.
It has rolled out fresh variants of the Sunny, and of course, the Duster (with great looks). So, with the new Micra coming in may be 30-45 days, Nissan could well surpass its target.
But Nissan must keep the prices close to the current models of Micra – which come for Rs 4.3 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh – otherwise competing in the hatch market could become a worrying point for the auto major.
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