Nissan Micra – new details about engine and transmission emerge; teaser video released

We were only speaking about the debut of its ‘Global compact car’ at the Geneva Motor Show and immediately we have some in-depth details about the engine and transmission of the small car. Additionally, Nissan says that this small car will replace the Micra meaning that a new name is in the offing. The older versions of the car were called March in Japan and South-East Asia while it was called as Micra in Europe. We are guessing what the new model could be called.

The new car will be equipped with a 3-cylinder 1.2L engine that Nissan says matches a 4-cylinder for refinement (we are not sure about this as 3-cylinder engines always create problems in NVH). Also present is a 1.5L diesel, the much acclaimed Renault’s K9K at that. Moreover, the V-platform is designed to produce a car up to 1.6 tonnes with a maximum torque of 199 Nm from the engine which means the K9K will be the most powerful engine that this car can take.

The gearbox is all new and will feature a manual unit alongside Nissan’s famed CVT systems. The newly developed CVT (continuously variable transmission) provides for a lot of flexibility for such a small power plant and features a “sub-planetary” gear that allows for a very wide gear ratio of 7.3 thereby ensuring good drivability and performance.

Nissan engineers have also greatly reduced friction between parts throughout the vehicle to maximize efficiency and the company claims that this new powertrain will deliver both optimum performance and fuel economy in both city and highway driving. Engineers have also employed a few tricks to make sure the cabin stays quiet and comfy for its passengers like the curved cuts ont he roof to reduce cabin noise. The car features lots of interesting touches and with Nissan’s pursuit for quality, it is expected to be one of the better hatchbacks in India.

The car will be unveiled at the Geneva auto show on March 2nd with sales beginning in Thailand in April and exports to Europe in autumn. The car will be launched in India sometime in June-July. Checkout the cool pictures and video.

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