Team-BHP - Nissan Micra : Test Drive & Review

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Originally Posted by thoma (Post 3017466)

...Can you guide me towards that piece of information...

Posted on IAB on Dec 7, 2012.

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Nissan is silently working on a stripped down version of the Nissan Micra codenamed G02A which is most likely to be called as the ‘Micra Active’.
...People think that the Micra’s price tag is on the steeper side. Moreover the car is widely considered as girlish and that made many male buyers to look elsewhere. While Nissan must be working on a facelift for the hatchback to remove its overly feminine characteristics, they are also simultaneously working on a low cost version of the current car, according to our sources...

According to our sources, the stripped down variant is likely to be called as the Micra Active. The majority of the cost saving appears to have come from the reduction of the NVH package which would marginally increase the cabin noise but its a compromise one should live with if he or she wants a significant price reduction.
In addition, Nissan has localized the entire steering system which gives another advantage in terms of pricing. The Micra Active will sacrifice a few more features (could mean that the driver side airbag will disappear from lower variants)...

Although Nissan hasn’t announced anything about a stripped-down Micra, we expect the car to be in showrooms somewhere in the first half of 2013.

Details:: http://indianautosblog.com/2012/12/n...a-active-56732

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Originally Posted by Mortis (Post 3018226)

What was the waiting time on the swift diesel ?

At my place, the Swift VDi, in most colors, was available off the shelf, but 2012 models. I was surprised when the SA told me this. I was expecting nothing less than 4-5 months. He says that we have to wait till March to lay hands on a 2013 vehicle.

The Micra is mostly shipped against booking orders due to the low volume it does and takes approx 20 days for delivery, from booking.

Nissan readying low-cost Micra.

The Nissan Micra was launched in the Indian market in 2010 and the company is now planning a lower cost variant (code:G02A) which is expected in March this year.

The updated Micra could get a new tail-lamp cluster However, the rear bumper and wheel cap designs look similar to the current car and are unlikely to be changed. The interiors however will see some changes to lower costs. The adjustable front headrests will to be replaced by a cheaper single piece design that is integrated with the seat. Nissan plans to delete some other features as well.

Source: Autocar

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Originally Posted by volkman10 (Post 3022746)

Nissan readying low-cost Micra.
Source: Autocar

CarWale has put up a spy picture. Link & source

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The low-cost variant is expected to get cheaper interiors, revised tail lamp design, and reduced insulation which will result in increased NVH but will keep the cost of the car down, localisation of steering system as well as removal of driver’s side airbag. All these changes are expected to cut the price of the car by up to Rs 60,000 from the existing XE petrol base model.

However, it is very likely that the Micra Active will only be offered with petrol engines and is this in most part due to the fact that diesel engine options for now are only available on the top-end XV variant.

Reports are also suggesting that the Japanese automaker is currently working on a facelift for the hatchback but there is no word on the development as yet.

In yet another news, IndianAutosBlog reports made-in-India Nissan Micra to head to the land down under.

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Actually Nissan produces more Micras than many hatchback automakers in India. But most of the Micra’s output is exported to 100 markets across Europe and Africa. Now, you can add Australia to the list as well!

The Micra was already plying the Australian market but the Australian Micra was imported from the Indonesian manufacturing plant.

Nissan produces three lakh cars a year at the Renault-Nissan global alliance joint venture plant in Chennai. About 85% of the produce is exported. Nissan eventually aims to pip Hyundai as the largest exporter in India. The automaker is constantly expanding its capacity at the Chennai plant to accommodate new models, export volume, and the welcome new brands such as Dacia and Datsun.

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Nissan India on Thursday said it has set a target of trebling local sales to one lakh units this fiscal from just 37,000 units last fiscal, and ruled out possibility of integrating its currently outsourced sales, service and marketing activities with itself.

The company also said as part of its aggressive posturing, it will launch four models this fiscal, including two variants, and one from its Datsun brand, apart from opening more dealerships and focusing on marketing.

The first launch could be as early as in July, the company said.

source & link http://businesstoday.intoday.in/stor.../1/195270.html

It may be noted that Nissal sold just 1.67 lakh units last fiscal, cornering a share of under 0.7 per cent in the domestic market.

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Originally Posted by urajkumar (Post 3156174)

The new micra was featured on all car shows last week (CNB, overdrive etc). I think it is looking much better. The cute feminine looks are gone now. Also the interiors looks better in black (earlier silver interiors gave it a cheap look). However i am not sure if its going to drastically change the fortunes of the Micra. Expected to launch in the next 1 month

Have the changes been so drastic that the car is suddenly masculine? (To those who saw it as feminine I mean.) In general there is very little scope to make changes to the car's actual build. Only changes to bumpers, lamps & interiors are doable along with minor cuts and creases on other parts.
Drastic changes warrant modifications to chassis etc. - & significantly more investment.

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Originally Posted by Reinhard (Post 3156287)

From the pictures it does look like a drastic departure from its feminine looks. I guess we must look at the car in flesh to know for sure. The rear however retains the same look which is sad.

Take a look at the pictures below and form your own opinion. :)

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Originally Posted by karan561 (Post 3159272)

Nissan introduces NISMO Micra/March;

Looks uber cool but for the black skirting at the rear. Better late than never, good that Nissan realizes its true potential; combining performance with practicality. But this is just for Japan as of now?

Excerpts from the same source:

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Thanks to all this scientific stuff, the Micra NISMO achieves zero-lift and as a result the small car is expected to stick on the road like chewing gum

The front bumper is pretty special with the edge of the center part raised to ‘catch the wind’ and as a result generate downforce. A special roof spoiler with ‘optimized length and angle’ and a specially designed rear bumper reduce air resistance.

The Micra NISMO gets a retuned chassis and an enhanced steering wheel which has been tuned for ‘aggressive driving’.

To increase the rigidity of the car, the NISMO Micra gets a special tunnel stay, front and rear suspension stay and a tail crossbar.

The CVT NISMO Micra costs 1,540,350 Yen (INR 9.44 lakhs) while the manual costs 1,770,300 Yen (INR 10.85 lakhs).

From the Nissan press release provided at the above source:

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Two trim levels will be offered: the base March Nismo and the March Nismo S. The base March Nismo is intended for customers who are environmentally and financially conscious—the fuel economy is equivalent to that of the stock Nissan March—while wanting to make a sporty statement through the car's enhanced exterior, which boasts improved aerodynamic performance. The upgrade model March Nismo S will appeal to driving enthusiasts who appreciate the values of motorsports-inspired technology and added performance via more power and superior handling

Two grades are offered:
● The base March Nismo, based on the original X grade with a 1.2L gasoline engine with theIdling Stop system and XTRONIC CVT.
● The performance-oriented March Nismo S, equipped with a specially-tuned 1.5L gasolineengine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and featuring enhanced body rigidity