New Micra cheaper
October 20th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
NISSAN today gave Car Dealer Magazine a sneak first look at the next Nissan Micra – with a bold promise.
The model is going to cost ‘noticeably’ less than the current car.
At a no-photography briefing in Yokohama, Tokyo, Nissan said its strategy for the new model was to develop a more affordable model that is simpler and cheaper to build.
It is a ‘world’ car, to be sold in 160 markets, and built in 5 plants across the globe. Eventually, more than a million examples a year are going to be built.
First models will hit the roads in Thailand next March.
European models are going to be sourced from the firm’s plant in India. This sees the Micra move from the UK Sunderland factory, after two decades of production there.
In its place, a higher-profit-margin compact crossover is going to be built.
This all means the next Micra is likely to boast lower list prices than the current car – or, at the very least, boast price parity.
That’s despite the new car being much more economical and cheap to run. Nissan says a design priority has been low cost of ownership. So, it’s light weight, has very economical three-cylinder engines, and well-honed aerodynamics.
Wind-cheating features include a special profile to the roofline, that cuts drag and improves rear downforce at speed. Interestingly, there are also two bold U-shaped featurelines in the roof pressing.
These actually help cut vibration in the bodyshell, meaning less need for heavy noise-insulating trim – making it lighter, thus more fuel efficient. One of the many ‘virtuous circles’ that have been explored during the car’s development.
The new Micra will be built on an all-new platform, and is likely to go on sale late next year. While the look of it holds no surprises to those familiar with the current Micra shape, the greater overall affordability makes it an interesting proposition in the supermini sector.
Nissan also showed us sketches of two more derivations from the two-size platform. We won’t be getting the compact saloon, but almost certainly see the mini MPV version. This will be offered with petrol and diesel engines producing up to 147lb/ft of torque.
For strong clues as to how the next Micra will look, check out the images below. Take off the super-large wheels and the sportier stance, and you won’t be far off…
By Richard Aucock
March 6th, 2010 at 12:07 am
new micra not been built in sunderland dont think i will be getting one then at any price
August 29th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
i think it looks a lot better than the old one does.