Nissan is planning a low cost Micra for the Indian market to increase sales and to take on lower segment hatchbacks like the Hyundai i10 and Honda Brio. The barely camouflaged Micra was spotted on the outskirts of Chennai. The test model hints about an updated tail lamp cluster on the exterior, rest of the body including the bumpers and the wheel caps are likely to remain unchanged. We expect most of the cost cutting activity by the automaker on the inside, which includes replacement of adjustable headrest with integrated headrest like we have seen on the i10, Honda Brio and Toyota Etios Liva.
Premium features including keyless entry and push button start are also going to be deleted in the low cost Micra. The low cost variant is expected to be re-named. Engine options are likely to be the same as the standard Micra. The 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol motor produces 76 PS of peak power at 6000 RPM and 104 Nm of peak torque at 4000 RPM and the 4-cylinder 1.5-litre common rail diesel unit produces a maximum power output of 64 PS at 4000 RPM and 160 Nm at 2000 RPM. Both the engines are coupled to 5-speed manual transmissions.
The Nissan Micra is known for its strong performance and good fuel efficiency. The petrol motor returns a fuel efficiency figure of 18 km/l and the diesel motor returns an impressive mileage of 22 km/l (claimed figures). It is expected that the automaker will price the low cost variant around Rs. 70,000/- less than the standard model with the launch taking place in March 2013. Currently the Micra comes with a price of Rs. 4.23 lakhs for the base petrol version and Rs. 5.98 lakhs for the base diesel version (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
Source – Autocar India
