Nissan India has launched diesel-powered Micra in two variants of XV and XV (premium). Available with greige interiors, it will be introduced in a range of six colours, Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The Micra Diesel is priced at Rs. 5,85,617/- for XV and Rs. 6,33,849/- (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for XV Premium respectively. The Micra Diesel is powered by a 1.5L Common Rail Direct Injection K9K Diesel Engine, which is mounted for the very first time in India on Nissan’s ‘V’ platform. The 8-valves, 4-cylinder Diesel-powered Micra generates Power rated at 64PS @ 4000 rpm, while torque output is 160Nm @ 2000 rpm. The Nissan Micra Diesel comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra is equipped with some key technological innovations, which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. The Micra Diesel offers first-in-its-class Intelligent Key plus Immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror. Another unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information and cruising range. In addition, the driver power window is fitted with ‘one touch up/down’ feature along with a pinch guard.
The efforts of Nissan’s Global Production Engineering Centre also make it the lightest (XV – 992kgs, XV Premium – 1008kgs) yet sturdy hatchback in its segment. This has been achieved in numerous ways by reducing number of components and using newer manufacturing and material processing techniques. The XV premium variant of Diesel-powered Micra also comes with an added attraction of 15-inch alloy wheels and Body colored roof spoiler. The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra with a top speed of 158kmph is also equipped with a class competitive boot space of 251 litres that can easily carry those extra bags of shopping during travel. The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fitted with a standard safety equipment of Driver Airbag across both its variants.
Few points from the press conference : –
- Nissan to bring out 9 new models by 2012, few from its global portfolio.
- ‘V’ platform (the same on which the Micra is based) sedan to be launched in 2011.
- Nissan in collaboration with Ashok Leyland will bring out an MPV by 2012 to take on the Toyota Innova.
- When asked by the Motorbeam team, as to why there is no option of ABS and dual front airbags, we were told that since India is a cost sensitive market, it was decided to balance out the features in order to cut costs, hence the Micra has only drivers side airbag, a compromise in order to give maximum value to the consumer.
- Fuel Economy of 23.08 kmpl (tested and approved by ARAI).
