Nissan Micra has begun its Indian journey and since the car was put on display in May, it has received good response from the consumers.
Although Nissan’s all-new hatchback will be launched in July this year, it has seen a good start to the bookings which started from May 25, 2010. The company has already received 400 bookings for the Micra, with deliveries starting next month. The company is planning to roll out 80,000 units of Micra this fiscal which will be both for export and domestic markets.
The Micra is based on Nissan’s new V (‘Versatility’) platform, which will also be used as the basis of some more future models that are in the pipeline. Fuel Efficiency and low weight are among the strengths of the V-platform. The key is an all new light weight and fuel efficient three cylinder 1.2-litre engine which is tuned for driveability and low end torque to suit the Micra’s urban focus. The Micra will also get a Renault sourced 1.5-litre, 65bhp turbo-diesel which also powers the Logan. On the inside, the cabin is impressively spacious for the front passengers, especially for shoulder room.
The Micra will be available in three variants, XE, XL and XV. The basic variant, the XE gets air conditioner, electronic power steering, tilt adjustable steering, a drive computer, engine immoblizer, driver airbag and black interiors. The XL variant in addition to XE features gets full wheel covers, rear wiper, tachometer, rear parcel tray, integrated audio system with 4 speaker aux-in port, front and rear power windows, central locking and remote keyless entry. The top variant, the XV, comes packed with features like electric adjustable and foldable ORVMs, automatic climate control, intelligent key with push button ignition, front passenger airbag, ABS, EBD, front for lamps and security alarm.
Nissan is currently expanding its dealership network in the country in a phased manner. It has 11 dealerships at present which the company hopes to increase it to 20 by next month, 36 dealers by December 2010 and touch the 100 dealership mark by 2013.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
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