Nissan Micra, 2014

 

 Nissan Micra, 2014

The Nissna Micra, one of the most significant models in Nissan's history and the bedrock on which the company's current success has been built, has undergone a series of improvements and enhancements.

The changes are so wide ranging that they go well beyond what usually constitutes a mid-term facelift. And although the revised model is based on the popular fourth generation 'K13' city car, Nissan is calling it 'New Micra'.

As well as a completely new look front and rear - complete with sheet metal changes - New Micra has been given a substantial interior makeover. There is new technology, a new centre console, new trim, and new finishing touches plus audio USB and Aux-in slots.

Depending on the version there's an all-new communication centre with a new radio and the latest state-of-the-art touchscreen navigation system now with a larger screen. On the exterior, additions include two bold new colours and new 16-inch and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Nissan has also expanded Micra's choice of personalisation options designed to allow an owner to create their own unique Micra. The changes, allied to the model's acclaimed performance and handling, boost and broaden the appeal of Nissan's smallest car.
At its heart, however, New Micra remains true to the design ethos that shaped the definitive small car when the original Micra was launched, 30 years and more than six million examples ago.

New Nissna Micra remains not just fun to drive and, thanks to its compact turning circle, easy to park but is also one of the most advanced small cars on the market.

Amongst its features are its highly efficient direct injection gasoline-supercharged (DIG-S) petrol engine, its innovative, accessible and genuinely helpful Parking Slot Measurement, which helps guide the driver into tight parking spaces, and I-Key which delivers not just keyless entry to the car but also keyless engine start.

With its new look, comprehensive improvements and quality upgrades, New Micra will build on the success of the current Micra, introduced to the European market three years ago. Underlining its importance to the company, it is the third best selling Nissan model in Europe behind Qashqai and Juke.

Changes in detail
Nissna Micra, known as March in some countries, is built in four centres globally and sold in 56 countries worldwide. All cars destined for Europe are made in India, with the three other production sites being in Thailand, Mexico and China.

But despite the global reach of the car, many of the changes to New Micra, which is due to reach dealer showrooms across Europe in September, have been made specifically for the European market.

The result is a car that not only looks distinctively European, but also delivers against the demands of the discerning European car buyer who expects the highest levels of performance, handling, quality and technical innovation.

The most obvious changes to the car can be found on the exterior. New Micra's entire 'face' has changed with a new grille re-establishing a stronger link to Nissan's corporate look where the familiar circular badge is 'held' within a chromed extended V-shaped motif.

It's all change at the rear, too, with a new bumper, new LED tail lamps and a new infill panel at the bottom of the tailgate.

The new look is complemented by a new 15-inch alloy wheel design and the introduction of machine-finished 16-inch alloys. Together the styling changes make New Micra appear more purposeful and better 'planted' on the road.

An eye-catching palette includes two new colours: pearl metallic Pacific Blue, a predominantly turquoise shade, and metallic Platinum Sage. These join the eight existing colours.

A number of significant changes can be found inside New Micra, too. The instrument graphics ahead of the driver have been improved for greater clarity, while there's a totally new centre console with restyled air vents.

The interior has been enhanced with the use of gloss black finish on the centre console and a silver look to the gear selector finisher. The door armrests have been textured to give a higher quality appearance and there are new seat and door pad fabrics. Visia and Acenta grades have a durable tricot/tricot mesh woven fabric while top Tekna models have a suede-like fabric with double stitching.

The interior also now benefits from dash-mounted Aux-in and USB slots linked to all audio units while a 12v socket has been added, allowing mobile phones or MP3 players to be recharged on the move with ease.

All but entry-level Visia models benefit from audio equipment that has been better integrated into the centre console with matching gloss and matt black finishers as appropriate.

More significantly, New Micra benefits from the availability of the latest NissanConnect navigation and communication system, which has new features and a bigger 5.8-inch screen (up from 5-inches) with chromed controls.