10 February 2011
New car report; Simply affordable.
Simplicity seems to be the latest buzz-word in automotive circles, with Nissan being the second car company in a week full of new product launches hanging their hat on the “Simple” message.
Nissan’s Managing Director John Manley says the new Nissan Micra’s key attributes relate to its simplicity, being simple to buy, simple to own and simple to live with.
He says it’s more affordable than its predecessor, making it simple to buy, it has reduced complexity and a low running cost making it simple to own, and it’s simple to live with for a raft of reasons including its small dimensions making it easy to manoeuvre, its wide opening doors and tailgate giving easy access, a spacious interior, user-friendly technology and clever use of storage space.
Two grades are available, both with the same 1.5 litre engine and 4-speed automatic transmission driveline. The 75kW 4 cylinder engine produces 136Nm of torque at 4,000rpm and has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km.
Starting at $22,600 for the Micra 1.5 ST Automatic, Nissan says it is positioning the entry level Micra alongside rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz.
Nissan names a roughly similar list of competitors in upgraded form for its own upgraded Micra, the 1.5 Ti Automatic priced at $24,100. Claiming a price advantage at each level and throwing in a 3 year scheduled service plan to sweeten the pot further for Micra buyers.
Built on Nissan's new V-Platform
Nissan says the Micra is the first to use their new V-Platform, and that the new platform has been developed with an emphasis on reducing weight and complexity, giving them the versatility to develop further projects for multiple markets more efficiently.
The Micra will be produced in four global locations, with no production facility in Japan, where the Micra as we know it will continue to known as the March. Plants in India, China, Mexico and Thailand will build the Micra, which will be sold in 160 countries. Models destined for the New Zealand market will come from the Thai plant.
Some simple but clever features render the Micra an easy car to like. A drive computer features some useful vehicle information such as fuel consumption, but adds a touch of personality by welcoming you to the car, warning you to take a break and even wishes you Happy Birthday and reminds you of special dates such as your Wedding Anniversary etc.
The ST model has 15 inch steel wheels, automatic headlight control, manual air conditioning and steering wheel audio controls, while the Ti adds 15 inch alloys, climate control air conditioning, intelligent keyless access with push button start and a driver’s armrest.
Sophisticated name for the most simple of systems.
In a world full of hi-tech gizmos, we've become used to car makers inventing new systems with fancy names, but it's usually the high end European manufacturers baffling us with science. Nissan is more of a feet on the ground sort of brand, so it came as a surprise to learn of one of the Micra's features, Integrated Bag Assist. We wondered if it was some sort of electronic conveyor system that lifts your shopping bags from the supermarket trolley into the boot, but it turned out to be much less sophisticated than that, and is another of the Micra’s simple attributes.
Integrated Bag Assist is a hinged seat squab which flips up allowing small bags to be stowed underneath. It’s very practical if not all that hi-tech, and in a confusing world of automotive nomenclature we thank Nissan for keeping things simple.
Safety features include Nissan’s version of ESP, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), six airbags, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, as well as rear child seat anchor points and 3-point belts for all seats.
Aimed primarily at city dwellers, the Micra is spacious, comfortable and practical. It performs well and handles in a predictable manner. A leap ahead of the model it replaces, the latest Micra provides yet another great choice in the fiercely competitive small car sector.
If size does matter, with small exterior dimensions coupled with a roomy interior heading up your wish list, then at this price, buyers in the market for a practical little city runabout should at least include it on their short list.