Nissan has unveiled an all-new Micra supermini at the Paris motor show, describing the car as a “complete redefinition” of the model.
The fifth-generation Micra is aimed directly at European buyers which form the world’s largest market for hatchbacks. It debuts a completely new body style, first seen on the Sway concept at the 2015 Geneva show. The body is lower, wider, longer and according to Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn sleeker than both its predecessor and most competitors.
Power will come from new downsized turbo engines. At launch, a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel will be available, both developing 90hp, with a 73hp 1.0-litre petrol engine following soon after.
Inside the Micra offers more space while the current trend to customisation is reflected in a total of 125 body and trim colour variations. Equipment includes the debut of a new six-speaker BOSE sound system with speakers in the driver’s headrest, while the seven-inch colour central display will access the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.
The new Micra will also debut the latest generation of Nissan’s Safety Shield safety technologies, Ghosn saying that the car will offer technologies more common on upper segment cars and be the first B segment model to be available with lane departure prevention.
Ghosn describes the unveiling of the Micra Gen5 as “an important milestone, redefining one of Nissan’s most iconic cars,” and emphasises the importance of returning production of the model to Europe – in a joint operation it will be built in the plant of sister brand Renault at Flins in France.
“It demonstrates Nissan’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing and delivering cars in Europe for Europe – (building it at the Renault plant is) a win for Nissan, Renault and our European customers,” Ghosn adds.
The new Micra is expected in showrooms in the Spring of 2017.
