New Nissan Micra
Thursday 11th March 2010, 2:16pm
Nissan’s new Micra hatch, due this Autumn, promises more room, zero road tax and even parking assistance.
It is slightly longer and lower than the outgoing model to increase interior space while retaining the distinctive Micra design.
The engine line-up includes a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine that’s available with 80bhp or 98bhp. The higher-power engine features a supercharger and a start-stop system which brings CO2 emissions down to 95g/km thus currently qualifying the Micra for zero car tax.
There’s is no word yet on fuel consumption figures though the new petrol engines should be significantly better than the current 1.2-litre petrol’s 47mpg.
A five-speed gearbox will be standard, with a CVT continuously variable transmission as an option.
The newcomer will be available with parking sensors and a new parking measurement system. It assesses the size of a parallel parking space and provides information on how easy or difficult it will be for the driver to manoeuvre into it.
The new Micra will be available in three trim levels: Visia, Acenta and Tekna, though exact specifications are yet to be confirmed. However, buyers will be able to choose options such as an engine start/stop button (only available on the 1.2-litre supercharged engine), touch screen sat nav plus a glass roof.