Showing posts with label Micra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Micra. Show all posts
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.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Nissan to roll out Micra diesel next month
Nissan Micra lovers have been demanding it and, within just a few months of launching it, Nissan is out to deliver it: the Micra’s diesel variant.
Nissan Motor India has said the rollout will happen next month and the car major has already started bookings, which it is doing so through its 20 dealerships. According to the company, the precise time of Micra diesel launch will be near about Christmas. The bookings will also take place in a phased manner.
The Micra diesel will come in two variants only - the XV and the XV Premium. The on-road prices (Chennai) of the XV and XV Premium are Rs 6.45 lakh and Rs 6.90 lakh.
The XV Premium variant will additionally have alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a spoiler at the rear. It will also have climate control, 15 inch alloys, driver side airbag, push button start, keyless entry, auto retractable mirrors and beige interiors. The vehicle’s 1.5-litre diesel engine offers a fuel economy of 23.08 kmpl, which is among the best in its class.
In July, Nissan launched the petrol variant of the Micra, which is based on the Versatile ‘V’ platform and the roll-out took place from Oragadam in Chennai. Since sales began in mid-July, the company has clocked 4,500 Micras.
The Nissan Micra is being exported to over 100 nations since October. They include countries in Europe, West Asia and Africa. Nissan is bullish on Micra exports and has set an ambitious target of 1,10,000 units by this financial year ending March 31, 2011.
Managing director and chief executive officer of Nissan Motor India Kiminobu Tokuyama, said, “The success of the petrol variant of Micra in the domestic market has given us confidence to introduce the diesel variant within six months of the petrol version’s launch. We are aware that this is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services. We are confident that the diesel-powered Micra would fulfill the needs of our Indian customers.”
Nissan Micra petrol is doing well, alright. But for the diesel variant to find a place in the midst of intense slugfest, Nissan will have to scale up its dealer network hastily.
Otherwise, it will see its sales dwindling after the Micra diesel craze dies down as it has no other car that it can bank upon to drive its earnings. However, in the short term, the Micra could see its sales surge as soaring fuel prices could prompt buyers to make a beeline for the diesel variant after its launch next month.
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