Rumormill: Nissan to install 3-cylinder turbocharged engines in the new Micra generation

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Click picture above for a glimpse at the history of the Nissan Micra.

Although the Nisssan Micra has become a quiet player in the European supermini segment, it’s got an impressive story that goes back 25 years. The next generation, due in 2010, could bring the Micra some well-deserved attention because it spots a major innovation: an all-new 3-cylinder turbocharged engine which should be able to produce 140hp at 6000 rev/min, while keeping CO2 emissions under the 120 g/km level. Nissan’s sibling company Renault already has some nest-gen turbocharged engines, called TCe, although having a 3-cylinder that achieves those numbers will be worth considering. The Micra hasn’t had a sporty version since 1989, the Micra Super Turbo, so this new 140hp powertrain could revive the Japanese supermini sales.