Filed under: Convertibles, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan
Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted
Click image for gallery of the updated Nissan march
On Tuesday, Nissan released a facelifted version of its Japanese-market March. One can only assume that these changes will ultimately be seen in Europe as well in the form of an updated Micra, but we'll just have to wait and see how that pans out. Anyway, the freshened March gets new headlamps, revised grilles, and an available front bumper treatment that'll see wider use as standard equipment across the line. Other changes include the implementation of Nissan's I-Key, some new paint colors, a new HDD Navi model and a Cacao-colored interior option.
Also updated are the odd-looking March Bolero and the MINI-aping (look at the grille) March Rafeet. The kitted, more aggressive-looking SR models are pretty cool, too. In addition to the March facelift, Nissan's introducing the Micra C+C in Japan for the first time. For whatever reason, it retains its Euro-market name after making the trip to Japan.
More info can be found in the press releases after the jump.
[Source: Nissan]
Gallery: Nissan March (JDM)
Gallery: Nissan Micra C+C
PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan Releases Revised March
- New "Plus navi HDD" Special Specification Model Added to Lineup -
TOKYO (June 5, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has launched a revised version of the popular March, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. The enhancements to the new March include exterior and interior refinements, new user-friendly features such as Intelligent Key, an available Aero Style Package and a special "Plus navi HDD" model.
March 12E
A Refined Exterior and Interior
Among the many refinements made to the March, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this model year, are a restyled front end appearance with revised headlamp and grille designs, as well as expanded application of the top-line front bumper specification.
The March comes in a selection of 12 attractive body colors, including four all-new colors: Sakura Pearl Metallic, Chamomile Green Pearl Metallic, Framboise Red Pearl (two-stage) and Pacific Blue Pearl Metallic. In conjunction with this minor model change, additional body colors have been adopted for the 12SR and 15SR-A*1 models.
March's interior features a new trim color, Cacao, which creates a rich and stylish ambience. Additionally, a redesigned meter cluster (4-speed AT models only) now features a carbon-like silver color, which combines with the new silver-embellished center console to give the interior a stylish design. Other enhancements include adoption of newly designed seat and door trim fabric and a driver's seat armrest (E and G models).
Nissan's Intelligent Key system and body-colored door handles have been added to the list of standard features (E models), while steering wheel controls have been added to E and G models. The new March also adds an audio system auxiliary port for connecting digital audio players or other portable music device (excluding the 12B and SR models).
"Plus navi HDD" Special Specification Model
Based on the March 12S and 14S FOUR, the new "Plus navi HDD" model is designed to provide exceptional value. The centerpiece of this new model is an exclusive HDD-based navigation system featuring a high-speed, large-capacity 30-gigabyte hard disk drive. The "Plus navi HDD" model also adds a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel, among other special appointments.
The revised March model lineup includes two new optional packages: a factory-installed Aero Style Package (available on all models except the 12B and SR versions) and a factory-installed Square Interior Package (available on the 12E, 15E and 14E FOUR).
Sales Target and Pricing
The sales target for the new March is 3,000 units/month, with pricing ranging from 1,103,550 yen to 1,782,900 yen, including consumption tax.
The March is being marketed under the "SHIFT_happiness" tagline.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gary Lowe 9:57AM (6/07/2007)
As always, whether it's the best and most innovative of Nissan, Honda or Toyota you can be sure you'll never see it in the US. Even China receives a better mix of cars then the US from Japanese manufacturers. I guess in a country where most consumers have either been Walmart-a-tized or bludgeoned into unconsciouness by media monotony there's probably little reason for anyone to focus on delivering innovative design.
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Thirty-Nine 10:33AM (6/07/2007)
I've liked the March/Micra for years. I agree with you, Gary -- I'm sure we'll never see it here. However, I still love it. Then again, with the introduction of the Smart next here in the U.S., perhaps the micro car market will gain some popularity.
Rick Lyon 10:32AM (6/07/2007)
They need to scrap the design, that's hideous. But agreed, we sadly need more options like this in the states.
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John Metcalf 5:06PM (6/07/2007)
We had the March as a rental car in Japan a few years ago and was really impressed. It swallowed an amazing amount of luggage, never felt underpowered, and kept us from getting lost with its Nav system.
Its "interesting" looks grew on me over the few days that we had it, and its interior was simple and comfortable (even for my American frame.)
I do wish we could get vehicles like the March here. As grocery getters or 'round towners, they would be perfect. There's no reason every family's second car couldn't be one of these.
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