Nissan is known worldwide for its reliable, competitively priced and user friendly products (and GT-R too). Yet in India where the aforementioned factors are prominent market wants, Nissan success has been nothing but marginal. Nissan launched the Micra hatchback here in July 2010 and ithas been struggling since then in the highly competitive Indian hatchback market.
Recently, Nissan introduced a major face-lift model of Micra to attract broader customer domain in India. The front has been restyled almost completely to stain off the tag of €cute’ from Micra’s portfolio and make it a bit butch. The headlamps are new and sharp with new slotted grill. Fog lamps are now a bit angular with nice housing. The new bonnet creases and bold chrome badging are more pronounced and so is newly redesigned bumper. Profile of the new Micra has been left untouched apart from the new alloy wheels.
Rear end looks modern with new LED tail-lamps (3rd brake light as well). Rear bumper is new with few minor tweaks and a well incorporated new bootlid. The new car looks somewhat alive and should attract unisex young customers.
Inside, the changes are few but noticeable, especially the all-new glossy piano black central instrument pod. Bluetooth telephony, USB and AUX support, multifunctional steering wheel, reversing camera, 4 airbags, power ORVMs and climate control compliments the satisfactory equipment list. Numerous new metal inserts along with restyled AC vents have been introduced in the new Micra to break the monotony of the boring grey cabin. Overall, the cabin looks neat and uncluttered but not on par with its competitors.
The major mechanical change is the offering of Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission in the petrol variants of Micra. The 1.2L engine gives 77PS of power and ARAI certified 19kmpl mileage. The new CVT ensure to offer seamless power delivery with high efficiency and is definitely a boon for bumper to bumper city traffic. The diesel variant offers the 1.5L option with 63PS of power and almost zilch turbo-lag. However, no CVT is available for the diesel variant.The petrol variants starts from 4.9 Lakhs and goes up to 6.49 Lakhs for the XV CVT whereas the diesel variants starts from 5.57 Lakhs and ends at 7.21 Lakhs.
So, is it a good move then? I guess not. Because here in India, no one really wants a CVT fitted hatchback and especially the one who got plenty of other turf to cover up. With high pricing and not so alive drivetrain, the future of Micra lies on the edge. The only helping hand that can grab it is if Nissan really do what it’s known for. Cut the price and makes it VFM.
