Autoblog

Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST

2011 Nissan March - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new Nissan March, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in, you guessed it, March) went on sale in Japan this week. The March (or Micra, as it's known in Europe) is powered by a new family of inline three-cylinder engines. The base normally-aspirated 1.2-liter is rated at 79 horsepower, and Nissan has also announced a supercharged and direct injected version that should produce over 100 horsepower.

The normally-aspirated engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission along with an automatic start-stop function to switch off the engine when the car comes to a halt. The CVT variant with idle-stop is rated at 61 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the Japanese urban test cycle, which should be equivalent to somewhere in the low to mid 40 mpg range on the EPA cycle.

Nissan has yet to confirm whether it will offer the redesigned Micra/March in the U.S. market.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Micra / March

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan

Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being green

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Nissan

2010 Nissan Micra - Click above for high-res image gallery

The more charming - if that's even possible - Nissan Micra has been tweaked to bring smiles to consumers in 160 countries where it will go on sale. To keep them smiling once things get under way, a brand new 1.2-liter, supercharged three-cylinder gas engine gets down with 80 horsepower and 144 pound-feet.

Believe it or not but the bounty doesn't stop there, with a suspension combining "agility, refinement and poise" also included as standard equipment. We'll let you decide for yourself, unless you're in the U.S. since we probably won't get it. For you, there's a press release after the jump and a gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra

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Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being green originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Nissan teases new compact global compact car, Micra replacement ahead of Geneva

Dan Roth — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Nissan

Click above to view the video after the jump

Past generations of the Nissan Micra have done well for the company, garnering accolades and proving its worth in the marketplace. There's a new compact Nissan coming, which we're likely to see for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show.

Nissan has released a video covering some of the new car's details as a way to whet our appetite. There's a sharp-looking rendering at the very end of the video, after you've learned about the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, which Nissan claims has NVH levels equivalent to a four cylinder. There's a new constantly variable transmission, and the V platform, as its named, is also a clean sheet design and developed for flexibility and packaging. Sounds like every other press release lately - "better performance, more efficient, more flexibly packaged, cures warts!" We'll see. Make the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading Video: Nissan teases new compact global compact car, Micra replacement ahead of Geneva

Video: Nissan teases new compact global compact car, Micra replacement ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan planning two $10,000 cars for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

2010 Nissan Micra (EU market) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan apparently thinks America is ready for more $10,000 vehicles, and the Japanese automaker is gearing up to do something about it. Well, two somethings, really. Automotive News reports that Nissan's chairman for the Americas, Carlos Tavares, has gone on record with reporters at the Detroit Auto Show saying that Nissan is planning a pair of vehicles that will start out at around $10,000. AN reports that the vehicles will be based off of Nissan's new V platform, an architecture set to underpin the next-generation Nissan Micra subcompact (current model shown above), which is smaller than the Versa and not sold in the States.

Nissan already markets a sub-$10,000 Versa model in the U.S., although the value-priced subcompact comes without a radio or power windows. Tavares reportedly didn't want to speculate on equipment levels, adding "the only thing that we can tell you is that we will hold that price point."

Nissan will build the vehicles at an assembly plant in Mexico, and the plan is to build three V platform products for North- and South American markets, although only two of them will be for U.S. consumption. Tavares told reporters that a $10,000 price tag would be "about right," noting that "there are very few new cars sold at that price point in the United States."

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Micra

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Nissan planning two $10,000 cars for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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