Nissan unveils next gen Micra for India

Nissan has officially unveiled its sketches of the its new global compact car or the next generation Micra which goes on sale in mid-2010. India will be the global production base for the new Micra which will be manufactured in Nissan India's Chennai plant from May 2010 and exported to 150 countries. Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, Managing Director and CEO, Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) said, “It is a proud moment for us today as we reveal the first sketch of our global compact car. We are confident that the car which will be manufactured locally in Chennai will delight the discerning Indian customers. We are serious and committed in our plans for India and are all excited as we gear up for the start of production in May 2010.”

The new Micra is expected with both diesel and petrol engine options. According to industry sources a lightweight and highly fuel-efficient 1.2 litre, three-cylinder petrol motor that promises class-leading fuel efficiency will make its debut in the Micra. Diesel power will be supplied by the familiar Renault 1.5 (K9) 65bhp motor that powers the Logan. However, for the Micra there is likely to be an increase in power.

The new Micra will compete head-on with the class-leading Maruti Swift and hence Nissan is keen to price its new hatchback competitively to gain market share. A sub Rs 4-lakh price is expected for the base model.

A saloon version of the Micra is also expected in the future and is expected to compete directly with the Swift Dzire.

Nissan’s marketing arm, Hover Automotive International is in the process of setting up new dealerships all over the country in preparation for the Micra.