Nissan Warms Up The Micra With Sporty New Offering

More Micra: Nissan widens powertrain range to better meet customer needs

• Expanded Micra range now features all-new 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS petrol engine, with manual and Xtronic automatic transmissions
• 'Warm hatch' IG-T 117 PS petrol unit creates new range-topping Micra with lowered ride height, revised suspension and sharper steering
• New Micra N-Sport special version delivers exclusive design upgrade
• All available to order through Nissan retailers across Europe

LISBON, Portugal – The Nissan Micra is now more appealing than ever thanks to an extensively revised powertrain line-up.

Three new customer choices have been added to the Micra range – an all-new upgraded and more efficient turbocharged petrol engine with 'world-first' technology; the debut of an Xtronic automatic linked to the same engine; plus the arrival of a more powerful 'warm hatch' flagship with lowered ride height, revised suspension and sharper steering.

In addition, Nissan has also launched an all-new special version, the Micra N-Sport, which delivers and exclusive design upgrade both inside and outside the car.

As well as delivering 'More Micra' than ever before, each new version offers improved powertrain refinement and response on all road surfaces and in all driving conditions.

Helen Perry, general manager, small cars, Nissan Europe, said: "With a greater focus on efficiency and performance, these new models further broaden the appeal of the Nissan Micra. We are now in a position to better meet the needs of Europe's compact hatchback customers."

The three new powertrains have been developed through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. By using the strength and resources of the Alliance, Nissan can deliver synergies which push the boundaries of what is possible from a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Each offers the highest levels of performance and refinement to customers, meets the strictest standards of reliability and durability as well as reduced CO2 emissions.

The new Micra powertrains are now on sale at Nissan retailers across Europe, joining the existing 1.0-litre 71 PS naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.5-litre 90 PS diesel engine.

New Micra powertrains in detail

• 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS manual

The all-new 1.0-litre turbocharged IG-T petrol delivers 100 PS through a five-speed manual transmission. Its launch in the Nissan Micra marks the debut of this engine in any Alliance vehicle, and includes world-first technologies for a 1.0-litre petrol unit. Fully compliant with Euro6d-Temp regulations, it replaces the 0.9-litre 90 PS petrol unit in the Micra range. The customer benefits of this upgrade are more power (+10 PS) and more torque (+20 Nm) right across the rpm scale, as well as lower CO2 emissions (-13 to -15 g/km, depending on grade) and improved fuel economy (-0.6 to -0.7 l/100 km, depending on grade) for reduced cost of ownership.

Benchmarked against key competitors from the B-hatchback segment, the new powertrain is among the best in class.

Performance figures are detailed below:

^{NEDC-BT or WLTP data to be applied depending on market}

Customers choosing the new 1.0-litre 100 PS manual will experience an improved engine response through quicker acceleration. This can be noted from a standing start – where the pull-away is now smoother – as well as in-gear acceleration. Refinement through measurement of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) has also been enhanced with improved powertrain and road noise isolation, resulting in a quieter cabin.

The new 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS manual transmission features a number of technical improvements over the 0.9-litre unit. In combination, they create improved refinement of the combustion process and a reduction in overall weight, resulting in better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The improvements include:

Split cooling: coolant flow is optimised through two passages in the cylinder head to maximise energy dissipation. This improves heat management and combustion, improving fuel economy and lowering CO2 emissions. 
 
Electric turbo actuators: these provide a rapid and precise response from the turbo, improving power delivery.

Bore spray coating on the cylinders: this is a world-first technology in a 1.0-litre petrol engine. Developed from the Nissan GT-R supercar, bore spray coating has already been integrated into other Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi powertrains, including the 1.3-litre petrol engine recently launched in the Nissan Qashqai crossover. Reducing the friction in the cylinder, the coating improves heat management and combustion, cuts weight and improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and plastic cover: this more compact design provides improved engine packaging and reduces the number of ducts for better and faster catalyst warming, resulting in cleaner emissions.

Elastic accessory belt: the belt is made of a special material allowing it to run without a tensioner, reducing weight and friction and further improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions.

Forged steel crankshaft: reduced in diameter and featuring super-finished surfaces to reduce friction, this results in improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

• 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS Xtronic

The Nissan Micra is now available with an Xtronic automatic transmission for the first time since the all-new fifth generation car was launched in 2016. It is linked to the same all-new 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS engine detailed above.

Launching an automatic transmission is an important step in delivering 'More Micra' to consumers. It is a popular choice with urban drivers who spend time in stop / start traffic and its appeal is set to grow: in 2016, when Nissan launched this generation of the Micra, an automatic transmission accounted for 12% of the overall segment sales mix. That figure is estimated to double in 2020 and reach more than 30% in 2022.

The Xtronic automatic is an advanced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) unit. It features D-step technology, which provides a more refined power delivery and on-road experience for the driver when compared to a conventional CVT. This is particularly obvious in response to aggressive use of the accelerator pedal. D-step technology also delivers quicker downshifts and better real-world fuel economy.

The Micra Xtronic is the perfect car for busy urban environments thanks to its outstanding driveability. Its smooth-shifting transmission makes it very easy and relaxing to drive, and it's a truly versatile performer in stop-start traffic.

Mechanically, the engine is identical to the IG-T 100 PS manual so features all the same technical benefits listed above.

Performance figures are detailed below:

^{NEDC-BT or WLTP data to be applied depending on market}

• 1.0-litre DIG-T 117 PS manual

The new flagship in the Nissan Micra range is the 1.0-litre DIG-T 117 PS turbocharged petrol engine, linked to a more performance-oriented six-speed manual transmission.

It is not simply a retuned and more powerful version of the IG-T 100 PS unit, but a completely different engine. It has been developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance in conjunction with Daimler, alongside the 1.3-litre petrol engine recently launched in the Nissan Qashqai crossover SUV.

Still with only three-cylinders, the DIG-T 117 PS engine is engineered to offer customers a more performance-oriented drive, with 180 Nm of torque plus an additional 20 Nm on the overboost.

Comparing the two new engines – the 100 PS and the 117 PS – the latter has noticeably more acceleration which is prolonged further through the rev range. There is obviously more power, but also more torque and with maximum output lower in the rev range (180 Nm at 1,750 rpm on the 117 PS, vs. 160 Nm at 2,750 rpm on the 100 PS). The result is a 0-100 km/h time of 9.9 seconds for the 117 PS, which is a full second faster than the 100 PS manual (10.9 seconds).

However, it's not only the powertrain which is different: the Micra 117 PS delivers a more dynamic on-road performance thanks to a number of physical changes.
Versions featuring this engine have a lower ride height (-10mm), plus revised suspension tuning to optimise the benefits of that reduction. They also have sharper steering; the steering rack is quicker and lighter to use, so the car is noticeably more agile and fun to drive.

A new chrome exhaust finisher and 17-inch alloy wheels (Acenta grade and above) are the finishing touches to versions of the Micra featuring this powertrain.

Performance figures are detailed below:

^{NEDC-BT or WLTP data to be applied depending on market}

The new DIG-T 117 PS features a number of technical innovations which allow it to deliver a spirited performance while maintaining high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. These include:

Delta Cylinder Head: a world first technology in a 1.0-litre petrol engine, this innovation creates a more compact and lightweight engine. The benefits of this are an increase in available impact protection space and greater freedom in the design of the car's bonnet.

Bore spray coating on the cylinders: as with the 100 PS engine, this is a world-first technology in a 1.0-litre petrol engine. Developed from the Nissan GT-R supercar, bore spray coating has already been integrated into other Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi powertrains, including the 1.3-litre petrol engine recently launched in the Nissan Qashqai crossover. Reducing the friction in the cylinder, the coating improves heat management and combustion, cuts weight and improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Central Injector: in common with the 1.3-litre petrol engine recently launched on the Nissan Qashqai, this new Micra engine features an injector mounted centrally in the combustion chamber. Creating a more targeted fuel spray pattern, it prevents fuel from reaching the valves and spark plug resulting a better emissions performance. Fuel is supplied by a high pressure pump operating at 250 bar.

Turbocharger with electronically controlled waste gate: this technology provides  improved control of the turbocharger, maximising engine response and efficiency

Electric turbo actuators: these provide a rapid and precise response from the turbo, improving power delivery.

Intake and exhaust variable valve timing: optimised control maximises performance and reduces emissions.

Gasoline particulate filter (GPF): a mandatory feature for all direct injection gasoline engines, the GPF ensures particulates making their way through the exhaust are in line with emissions regulations.

New powertrain summary

The three new turbocharged petrol powertrains available on the Nissan Micra represent the latest in advanced engineering. They are designed to offer customers the best blend of performance and efficiency, keeping vehicle running costs to a minimum. All are highly competitive against key models in the B-hatchback segment.

^{NEDC-BT or WLTP data to be applied depending on market}

The three new Micra powertrains join the existing 1.0-litre 71 PS naturally aspirated petrol engine, and the 1.5-litre 90 PS diesel unit.

New Nissan Micra N-Sport

The Nissan Micra N-Sport is a new special version for 2019, designed to capitalise on the sporty design and fun-to-drive personality of the Micra. The car is positioned in the heart of the 'warm hatch' category of the B-segment, occupied by contenders such as the Ford Fiesta ST Line, VW Polo R-Line, Peugeot 208 GT Line and SEAT Ibiza FR.

The newcomer has a number of highly desirable design upgrades to help it stand out from the crowd.

EXTERIOR UPGRADES

• Carbon-style finish on the alloy wheels and door mirror caps
• Gloss black finish on side mouldings / front and rear bumpers
• N-Sport badge on the rear
• Rear privacy glass
• Halogen front fog lamps

INTERIOR UPGRADES

• Alcantara / leather interior fabric
• White air vents
• Front seat arm rest
• Black headliner
• Sports-design floor mats
• Rear view camera with parking sensors
• iKey (remote entry with push-button engine start)

Optional extras available include Intelligent Around View Monitor, New NissanConnect infotainment system, BOSE Personal audio, automatic air-conditioning and the Safety Pack. This pack contains technologies such as Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, High Beam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning / Prevention.

The new Nissan Micra N-Sport is available with all three new powertrains – the 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS manual and Xtronic, plus the DIG-T 117 PS manual – as well as the existing 1.5-litre dCi 90 PS diesel. It is available in four distinct body colours – Passion Red, Solid White, Gunmetal Grey and Enigma Black.

It is the second special version of the fifth-generation Micra, following the highly successful Micra BOSE Personal Edition launched in September 2017.

Nissan Micra: a fifth-generation success story

From the moment the covers came off at the Paris Motor Show 2016, the all-new, fifth-generation Nissan Micra was grabbing headlines. Media loved its expressive design, uplifting interior and advanced driving assistance technologies. Within weeks it had been shortlisted into the final seven contenders for European Car of the Year 2017.

It was also a hit with customers, who loved the car's striking exterior design, two-tone soft-touch interior, comprehensive personalisation program and driving performance.
They also appreciated the level of equipment in the new Micra, particularly Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition. Customer satisfaction average of 8.9/10 through independent reviews organisation Reevoo

For 2017 – the last full year of data available – Micra sales across Europe were up 44% compared with the year before, with conquest sales from other brand reaching 65% - significantly above the B-segment average.

Every Micra comes with a high level of standard equipment, including Intelligent Emergency Braking, Active Trace Control, speed limiter, air conditioning, three ISOFIX child seat mounts (including one on the front passager seat), hill start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Acenta grade adds many additional design and technology features, including New NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and a 5-inch TFT combimeter between the instrument dials.

N-Connecta cars come with 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, front fog lamps, powered/heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors, interior ambient lighting.

The Nissan Micra in top-of-the-range Tekna grade features 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers, BOSE Personal audio with speakers in the driver's head rest. Driver assistance technologies fitted as standard include Intelligent Lane Intervention, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition.