Nissan March (Micra) launched in Thailand; Prices, specifications, trim levels and colours

The all new fourth generation March (Micra to us) was launched in Thailand today. Bookings start tomorrow while deliveries start in few weeks time. The Micra has been generating some interest now and we would like to add one more article towards this. Thailand is the first market where the Micra/March is launched followed by India and China. The Micra launched in Thai comes with a 1.2L 3-cyl engine producing 79ps. It is priced between Baht 375,000 and 537,000 which roughly equates to Rs 520,000 to Rs 745,893 in Thailand.

Before Maruti and the gang get too excited, we would like to add that the prices in India will be much lower due to increased levels of localisation and some financial aspects. Moreover, the high prices are because the Thai Micra comes with Airbags, ABS, EBD and BA as standard fitment on all models. A quick calculation comparing models sold in India and Thailand show that a price of around Rs 4 lakhs (Ex-Showroom) for the base model is likely. This puts it bang in contention with the Swift, Ritz and Grande Punto. The Micra is after all a high quality car comparable to the likes of the Polo.

We had earlier shown you the interior spy picture and an ad hoarding for the Micra in thai.

The Thai version comes with the choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a Xtronic CVT. The HR12DE is essentially the 1.6 petrol from Tiida and Qashqai with one cylinder chopped off. The engine features Continuously valve-timing control (CVTC) and produces a maximum of 79ps and 108Nm of torque but emits just 120g/km of CO2. The Supercharged version (export-only) produces 97ps and emits just 95g/km of CO2. This combined with its light kerb weight should endow it with spirited performance although we are unsure of the NVH levels as this is a 3-cylinder.

Nissan has tuned the Micra to deliver optimum balance between comfort and handling and we expect a decent levels of driving enthusiasm. Moreover, its 4.5m turning radius is just 0.5m more than the Tata Nano which is very astonishing for a car that is 3725mm long. The Micra comes in a choice of 6 colours – Brilliant Silver, Black Star, Crystal Lilac, Spring green, Sunlight orange and White pearl in Thailand. It is available in 4 variants with 2 option packs.

On the safety front, ABS, Airbags, EBD and BA are standard on all variants (one reason for the extra price). In the Indian model, the omission of such features on the lower-end variants will reduce price by a decent margin.

Price list – NISSAN MARCH (K13)

MSRP Include A/C with VAT (in Thai Baht)

1.2 S MT  375,000

1.2 E MT 425,000

1.2 E CVT  459,000

1.2 EL CVT  489,000

1.2 V CVT  507,000

1.2 VL CVT  537,000

Press Release

The all new Nissan March is for people who love simplicity, designed as a reliable, stylish and accessible compact car, the Nissan March is engineered for great handling and agility performance, equipped with a newly developed powertrain 1.2 liter. 3-cylinder engine (HR12DE) with 5 M/T and all new CVT based on the newly developed V-platform.

Design

“Its face had to look stylish and have an air of sophistication to it” comments Mr. Makoto Yamane, Associate Product Chief Designer. A unique design feature of this car — its double-layer integrated grille — meets these requirements. But the car’s classic shape was also crucial. That’s why it also employs a stylized version of the distinctive arched side window line, something that is central to the March’s heritage, identity and appeal

Retaining its compact dimensions, the new car is slightly longer and marginally lower, while its longer wheelbase enables a ‘wheels-at-each-corner’ stance, the main reason behind the March’s roomier interior. The boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof have a clearly defined purpose too, continues Yamane. Aiming to create the same sense of exterior style inside the car, Nissan has employed a ‘connected cocoon’ design featuring a dashboard design which takes on a ‘twin bubble’ theme. This refers to the circular instrumentation binnacle and the similarly shaped glove box compartment on the passenger side.

All-new 1.2-litre Engine and XTRONIC CVT

The all new Nissan March is powered by an all-new HR12DE 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Inheriting its DNA from the HR16 4-cylinder engine powering the Tiida, Note, and Qashqai, the new engine employs continuously valve-timing control (CVTC). Power is rated at 59kW (79ps, while torque output is 108Nm. At only 120g/km, CO2 emissions for this version are world-class.

The Nissan March comes with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or Nissan’s all-new XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (XTRONIC CVT). The wide gear coverage enables the 1.2-litre engine to achieve economy and brisk acceleration.

Nissan engineers developed ride and handling characteristics which combine agility, refinement and poise. Mounted onto Nissan’s new signature V-platform, the suspension has been designed to be both compact, minimizing intrusion at the rear for maximum trunk space, but not at the expense of the car’s on-road dynamics. Particular attention has been paid to bump absorption, meaning that the March will ride serenely over challenging road surfaces, not suffer from wallow or float, and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.

Comfort, function and equipment

In contrast to its high speed capability, the car also has superb visibility and a class-topping turning radius of 4.5m and several new technologies that assist with minimizing C02 emissions and mileage while at the same time making parking easier.

The new March is available with some key technological innovations which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. It also offers special option of Intelligent Key + Immobilizer, a push button start-stop system, automatic foldable mirror, and reverse sensor (4 points) in addition to a intelligent multi-display meter which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information, cruising range and outside temperature.

Safety

The incorporation of the V-platform is one major factor contributing to the car’s improved impact safety. The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, thanks to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell. We achieved European standard of safety under UNECE 94 and 95 (front and lateral impact). In Thailand, the March will be fitted with standard safety equipment such as SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, and BA

The introduction and sales of the Nissan March will come in 4 standard grades and 2 options grades and will be offered in 6 colors.

Colors

1.2S : K23 – Brilliant Silver; G42 – Black Star, KAS – Crystal Lilac

1.2E (MT/CVT), 1.2EL, 1.2V, 1.2VL : K23 – Brilliant Silver, G42 – Black Star, KAS – Crystal Lilac, JAD – Spring green, A55 – Sunlight orange, QX1 – White pearl

Price list – NISSAN MARCH (K13)

MSRP Include A/C with VAT

1.2 S MT  375,000

1.2 E MT 425,000

1.2 E CVT  459,000

1.2 EL CVT  489,000

1.2 V CVT  507,000

1.2 VL CVT  537,000