Kept tightly secret till the first press day, the fourth generation of Micra made a star appearance in Geneva auto show 2010, as part of a new Nissan offer in the small and compact segments that will also include the crossover Juke and the electric vehicle LEAF. While the commercialization of the zero-emission hatchback will start late in the year in selected markets, the more conventional Micra will be on sale soon at a global scale. The Nissan supermini utilizes a new small platform ‘V’.
A wheelbase of 245 cm and an overall length of 378 mean a slight increase in size, yet the Micra is in the short end among 5-door hatchbacks of B segment. Fewer parts, noise suppression, ride comfort, weight saving and fuel economy have been key factors in the development of this heir of the Car of the Year 1993. Style wise, the new model shows a fresh visual aspect, yet the familiar looks remind the previous generation. The Micra premieres a new three-cylinder engine line with a displacement of 1.2 litre. In aspirated form, it gives 80 hp and is homolgated with a CO2 emission of 115 gr/km. Front wheel drive gets a manual 5-gear or CVT transmission. A supercharged direct injection version of the 1.2 engine will offer 98 hp and a CO2 emission of 95 gr/km, with the help of a stop/start device.
One step ahead in size with a length of 413 cm, the Juke is based in the Nissan/Renault B platform and sports SUV looks, even if the vast majority of sales will be front wheel drive versions. Its lighthearted style in and out plus big wheels will likely please young customers, as an alternative to more conventional B-segment cars, in a parallel way to what Qashqai does among compact models. A 1.6 petrol engine offers 117 hp in aspirated form and 190 as a turbo with direct inyection. The transmission comprises manual 5/6-gear boxes or electronic CVT; in the 190 hp version, CVT and 4WD go together. Diesel choice is a 110 hp 1.5 dCi with 6-speed manual transmission.
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