New Nissan Micra

Press Release

New features

One of the keys to new Micra’s sales success has been the inclusion of practical technology – features more usually found on bigger cars, but which are easy to use and add functionality. Talking of keys, the Intelligent Key, which allows the doors and boot to be locked and unlocked and the engine started without the need to dive deep into a handbag, has proved to be a much loved feature of the Micra and is retained on the SVE.  It’s optional on others as part of the appropriately named Clever Pack.

The same goes for the automatic wipers and the rear parking proximity sensors. For the latest Micra, Nissan has added the option of automatic operation of the lights.

A new sensor-controlled setting on the lighting stalk allows the lights to be set to automatic, ensuring that the headlamps switch themselves on and off. As well as increasing comfort by reducing the driver’s workload, auto lighting boosts safety by ensuring the headlights are always on when needed.  So no more driving off at night with the lights inadvertently switched off, or being plunged into the dark when entering a tunnel or underground car park.

Model range

Three petrol engines and two diesel options power the new Micra, power outputs ranging from 65PS to 110PS. The common rail 1.5-litre, eight valve four cylinder turbo diesel – developed by Alliance partner Renault – is available in two states of tune, developing 65PS or 82PS when intercooled.

Nissan’s CR family of petrol engines is available in either 1.2- (1240cc) or 1.4-litre (1385cc) forms. The 1.2 is available in two levels of tune developing 65PS and 80PS respectively, while the 1.4 develops 88PS. All are 16 valve four cylinder all-alloy units and comply with Euro IV emissions regulations. The third petrol engine, also Euro IV compliant, is a new, lightweight, low friction, 1.6-litre which develops 110PS and powers the 160SR. The higher powered 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol versions are available with the option of a four speed automatic gearbox in place of the standard five speed manual transmission.

Range line-up and prices

Customers browsing at their local Nissan store will be able to select from two Micra lines, Classic and Sport.  There are four Classic styles: E, S, SE and SVE.  Alternatively, on the trendy rail there are three: Sport, Sport with Appearance pack, and 160SR.

The Micra E is powered by a new version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine and gives 65PS.  At £8075 for the three-door or £8725 for the five- Nissan would argue it makes an interesting real car alternative to the new crop of smaller city runabouts.  Despite the E’s budget status, it still comes equipped with twin airbags, electric speed sensitive power steering, electric front windows, a CD player, anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution, remote central locking with anti-hijack feature, and many other life-easing convenience features such as can-holders front and rear plus a bag hook.  Anyone for a curry?

The S adds the 80PS edition of the 1.2 motor as standard plus side airbags, a sliding rear seat (to vary the passenger space vs. cargo ratio), three rear headrests and active front seat headrests  all for £555.  For another £700, you can go for dCi power in 65PS tune.

If you’ve got a further £1000 handy, the SE adds aircon, the in-dash 6CD autochanger with 6 speakers, 15” wheels, electric door mirrors, leather steering wheel, upgraded trim and a storage box under the front passenger seat.  At this level you could also choose the 1.4-litre petrol engine or dCi 82PS diesel.  SE prices range from £9630 for the 1.2 three-door up to £11,480 for the 1.4 five-door with automatic transmission.

The snazziest classic trim is worn by the Micra SVE.  It’s £1245 more than the equivalent SE but adds electronic climate control, 15” alloys in a new design, rear parking sensors, side curtain airbags, Intelligent Key and automatic headlights plus wipers.  1.4 manual and auto or 1.5 dCi 82PS engines are offered.  The latter in five-door form is £12,625.

For anyone seeking a racier looking small car, Nissan has created the Micra Sport.  Prices start at £9780 for the 1.2-litre three-door.  The 1.4-litre petrol engine adds £300 to this and the 1.5-litre dCi 82PS a further £800.  Five-door versions are available, too.  Based on the Micra S, the Sport gets a different exterior look with bumpers, spoilers and tinted lamps borrowed from the 160SR.  The 15” alloy wheels are different though.  Inside, the Sport gets, well, sporty trim and seats plus a leather rimmed steering wheel, trip computer and in-dash 6CD autochanger.  For another £750, Nissan has put together aircon, the 160SR’s 16” alloys and aluminium look pedals in one tempting pack.  Style-wise, the Sport makes a further SHIFT_ for Micra.

Despite its comparatively short life, the current Micra has had a significant effect on Nissan sales and on the company’s image. As well as appealing to previous Micra owners, the friendly rounded shape of the current model has found a discerning new audience.

The latest Micra, as intended, has attracted younger owners to the marque while the percentage of female buyers has risen, too. Today, some 66 per cent of owners are female while the average buyer is in her (or sometimes his) mid-40s, down from an average 52.5 years for the previous generation Micra.  And the named buyer isn’t necessarily the driver so the real age is likely to be even lower.

At the same time, the number of buyers new to Nissan – the so-called conquest purchasers – has risen to account for more than 70 per cent of all new sales. The latest changes are expected to maintain the female/male ownership percentage but to lower the average age to 44 years and to boost conquest sales to 80 per cent.  That’s sales nicked from other brands for anyone not conversant in marketingese.