Nissan sketches out next-gen Micra... but will it come to the States?
New Nissan Global Compact - click above for high-res image gallery
Nissan has just sent out the first sketch of its next-generation B-segment compact. The new car will be available globally starting next March in Thailand and then spreading to over 150 countries. The new car is expected to replace the Micra in Europe and elsewhere.
In Thailand, the new model will be the first to qualify on local "Eco-Car" rules. Nissan hasn't made any announcements about bringing the little car to the U.S., but if it did, it would slot in below the already inexpensive Versa (which is itself uncomfortably close to the Sentra in size and utility). It's also possible we might see an announcement about U.S. availability during the upcoming auto show season, but we wouldn't hold our breath. In any case, you can check out high-res versions of the renderings in our gallery below, and an ultra-brief press release after the jump.
Gallery: New Nissan Global Compact sketches
[Source: Nissan]
PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan Unveils Sketch of its Future Global Compact Car
YOKOHAMA (Oct. 1, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed the sketch of its global compact car. This model will be initially launched in Thailand in March 2010 and will be available in more than 150 countries.
At the same time, Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. announced that the model will qualify as Thailand's first "Eco-car." Thai Eco-car government policy is effective today and will help promote the development of energy efficient vehicles.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
zamafir 11:23AM (10/01/2009)
I dunno, can someone explain why some car makers are having such a hard time being consistent. Mazda seems to be doing great across the board really, Ford as well, and several others. Nissan though? From the fantastic GT-R to several mediocre offerings below it, same issue we’re starting to see with the lack of an S2000 replacement at Honda.
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Farmboy 12:56PM (10/01/2009)
Agreed. Mazda always is consistent with a car's looks. Same with Ford, especially now. GM does it too, but it varies from brand to brand and is almost boring sometimes. Nissan is the next Toyota in terms of excitement and quality, with MAYBE an exception of the GT-R.
tariqwas 11:29AM (10/01/2009)
The sketch looks good,
I hope Nissan doesnt let us down with a sissy looking car like the K12 turned out to be.
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David 11:49AM (10/01/2009)
Maybe a little sissy-looking, but a very distinctive car, and it would have sold well in the USA had Nissan brought it over. It's a lot better-looking than the Versa, which is so bland.
I'm noticing a lot of Nissan Cubes on the streets, and the K12, like the Cube, exudes cuteness, and some people really like that look (esp. women). At least it's different, and different is often a good think in a sea of similar-looking cars.
Yaroukh 11:54AM (10/01/2009)
Distinctive? ...maybe in US. In the market where other automakers actually do offer small cars this would look pretty random.
No offense though.
Mehdi Cheddadi 11:32AM (10/01/2009)
Versa was supposed to look awesome like the sport concept, but it turned out like a minivan.
I can't help but wonder how they will transform this micra sketch...
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fmwso 11:36AM (10/01/2009)
Yeah, I agree with you. Whatever happened to the sport concept? That was a nice looking vehicle. The Versa is ok, but it's boring to drive. I hope this Micra turns out to be fun to drive.
Mercennarius 11:35AM (10/01/2009)
Micras have been well regarded small cars in other countries like Japan/Europe....wouldnt mind Nissan bringing it here even if it replaces the Versa....
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taz 11:36AM (10/01/2009)
Then again not sure what this picture is worth - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/international-automotive-scene/48705-nissan-march-2009-spy-shots.html
Could be a test mule.
One thing is for sure, the tail lights on the mule are very different from the current k12 (similar to the sketch)
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cdwrx 11:38AM (10/01/2009)
If it wasn't for that badge, I'd think it was a Toyota. That's no good.
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Yaroukh 11:56AM (10/01/2009)
Not that I would be in market for this, but I do agree... Hopefully the sketch does not do justice to what will eventually pop out of Nissan's... design department. (Provided they have some.)
Sofa King Fast! 11:39AM (10/01/2009)
the UK version of the Micra is a great car. It is really too bad it is not available in North America.
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DZ 1:06PM (10/01/2009)
Really?? The Micra i drove in Ireland back in the spring was a complete crap. If they re-designed the car from the ground up maybe they'll have something.
Seriously, everyone i talked to out there said that car is junk when i told them what we were driving.
Throwback 12:59PM (10/01/2009)
I thought the Micra was smaller than the Versa. If they are the same size they should dump the Versa and sell this.
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gabo 1:39PM (10/01/2009)
the rear looks like the Renault Clio III
http://www.km77.com/00/renault/clio/renaultsport/2009/gra/012.asp
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andyx 5:15PM (10/01/2009)
My first glance of the design sketch and I thought....
Nice new Yaris!!! Then I saw the headline mentioning
Nissan.... at least the current Micra's design is unique
and distinctive. This one is too conservative and derivative.
Change the logo on the hood and it's pretty similar to the
current Yaris hood and grille, and the basic profile is similar
to the current Opel Corsa 3 door.
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Gerald 1:58AM (10/02/2009)
I say scrap the Versa and bring the March on over. The Versa is completely soulless compared to the Yaris, Fit, and the soon-to-be green Chevy thing.
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Rohin Nagrani 7:12AM (10/02/2009)
Nissan apparently will build it in five worldwide locations, including China, India and possibly the UK(?), so this article states
http://bsmotoring.com/storypage.php?autono=1256
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karboi 3:46AM (10/03/2009)
i like it , i think i like the sketch more than i'd liek the real car though
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autoartworx 3:48AM (10/03/2009)
yeah i gree the sketch looks kool i dunno about the real car if it would be anygood little nissans tend to look goofy. anybody knwo where i could find more fo these great design sketches though ?
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