Autoblog

Spy Shots: Next Nissan Micra spotted?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Nissan

Images of the next generation Nissan Micra have plopped onto the interwebs, and they have brought with them a revelation we are a little ashamed to have come to so late. First, let us say that we really, really dig the Nissan Micra as it is. Sure, we delight most in its hardcore version, but even the gutless four-door variants have that design going for them: the Micra is wonderfully visually compelling.

The revelation is this: when it comes to Nissan, the phrase "This car is coming to the U.S." looks to actually mean "a bloated kind of melty looking version of this car is coming to the U.S." We saw it first with the Cube, and the same sort of globular travesty has apparently been perpetrated on the Micra. Forget the oh-so-sexy sketch from a month ago. If this is the car we're getting, look for the Micra with its thumb stuck its thumb in its grille and puffed-out cheeks.

When the new Micra bows as a 2011 model, it will reportedly be built in four-door, five-door, and MPV flavors, all of which will supposedly be powered by a three-cylinder engine. What isn't clear, however, is which Micra bodystyles we'll see in America.

[Source: Joke for Blog]

Spy Shots: Next Nissan Micra spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next generation Nissan Micra coming to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Nissan, UK

Next Generation Nissan Micra - Click above for high-res image gallery

On the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has confirmed plans to offer the next generation Micra in the United States. The new, yet-to-be-named model will slot in below the Versa (the Micra is nearly two-feet shorter than Nissan's entry-level hatch) and will be built atop Nissan's new low-cost "V" architecture.

The new model will be build at five of Nissan's plants around the world and will be equipped with a three-cylinder engine putting out an undisclosed amount of power. Three variants will be available - a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and an MPV-like vehicle - all in an effort to sell one million "V" platform units globally each year. Nissan hasn't disclosed when the next generation Micra will go on sale globally - or more specifically, in the States - but expect the sub-compact runabout to hit U.S. shores sometime in 2011 or 2012.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Micra Sketches

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Next generation Nissan Micra coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan sketches out next-gen Micra... but will it come to the States?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

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]

Continue reading Nissan sketches out next-gen Micra... but will it come to the States?

Nissan sketches out next-gen Micra... but will it come to the States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 360: the Micra 160 SR

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Micra 160 SR

If there's one thing this blogger hates, it's begging. But Nissan, please bring this car to America. (Was that good enough, Nissan?) If Dr. Evil drove this car, his would declare the same thing I did: "friggin fantastic." Along with the Cube I've already committed to buy, I promise I'll get one of these as well.

This 1.6-liter, five-speed, 110-HP gas-powered version is a volcanic blast to drive. So much so that I ditched the road guide book for the first snaking mountain road I saw, and after going up and down once I spun the little red robin around and did it again. It's more fun than a MINI -- and I really like the MINI. But the Micra 160 SR is hootin' hollerin' hands up hallelujah fun. No wonder it's the best selling Nissan in Europe.

Inside, it's all you need in a spicy little hatch, which is to say not much, but what's there is just right. It's roomy, there's plenty of cargo space -- including a bin under the front passenger seat and a cavernous glove box -- but the cupholders will only do tiny cups. Although it's not like you'll have time to drink, with all the hooning you'll be doing. And the car is so adorable it teaches buttons how to be cute. I'm a fan. Nissan, the phrase you're looking for is: US regulatory approval.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Micra 160 SR

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup and company stats. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Travel and lodging for this media event were provided by the manufacturer.

Nissan 360: the Micra 160 SR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted

Alex Nunez — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

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

Continue reading Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted

Japan: Nissan March gets facelifted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls over 1 million for fuel tank fix

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Nissan

Narrowly missing setting a new reocrd for the largest recall in the company's history, Nissan is recalling 1.01 MIL March (aka Micra) and Cube models. That figure is just 20,000 vehicles shy of the 1.03 MIL car recall they issued in 2003. The current recall is to fix faulty fuel tanks that may leak or crack. According to the just-auto report, UK-built Nissan Micras are not effected, only Japanese built samples.

Nissan joins Honda in announcing a million-plus-vehicle recall in just the past month. The staggering volume of the recalls is due to the fact that many manufacturers are sharing as many components across their lineup as possible to reduce costs through economies of scale. Unfortunately, that means when there is an issue with one of those parts, a whole lot of them need to be fixed. While only 59 complaints have been filed, they were enough to warrant the recall. The cars involved were built between 1991 and 2000, and only about 600,000 are still believed to be on the road. The bulk of those are in Japan, but some are still in use in Singapore and Brunei, according to a Nissan spokesperson.

[Source: just-auto]

Nissan recalls over 1 million for fuel tank fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flag-draped flagship: the Nissan Micra Sport SR

Alex Nunez — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Nissan

At the top of a reshuffled Nissan Micra lineup in the UK sits the flagship Micra Sport SR, which is essentially a Micra 160SR with a new name (It's part of the newly-created "Sport" Collection, hence the updated moniker). Nissan UK is responsible for its design, engineering and manufacture, and it will make its debut at next week's London International Motor Show.

Appropriately (or actually, maybe not, based on the picture above), the Sport SR featured in the press photos advertises its Brit creds with a full-body Union Jack motif that makes MINI's rooftop flags look like mere bumper stickers. Nissan assures us that the Micra's flag scheme is not a production option, so good taste prevails. Rest assured, the quirky-cool Micra looks a lot better in solid colors.

The Micra Sport SR is available in bespoilered 3 and 5-door body styles. Foglights, tinted headlamps, and 16" wheels complete the list of Sport Collection visual upgrades. It also gets climate control, automatic lights and windshield wipers, side airbags, a 6CD changer and stability control. The 1.6L 4-cylinder underhood makes 110 horsepower and is connected to a 5-speed manual. Performance is not earth-shattering by any means (0-60 in around 9.5 seconds), but is perfectly adequate for an everyday runabout. Estimated "on the road" pricing (including VAT, etc) is £10,995 for the 3-door and £11,645 for the 5-door.

Nissan Technical Centre employees also prepped a set of matching geese (yes, geese ... don't ask me) to go with their super-patriotic paint scheme. See them after the jump.

(Goose photo, Press release after the jump)

[Source: Nissan UK]

Continue reading Flag-draped flagship: the Nissan Micra Sport SR

Flag-draped flagship: the Nissan Micra Sport SR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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