With car buyers in the U.S. regularly downsizing, we’re already seeing more all-new small cars heading to the North American market. Cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Toyota iQ are just the beginning as there is even a chance we may also see a new global minicar from Nissan.
Based on the all-new Nissan March/Micra which is due to be unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show, this new microcar is expected to be somewhat conservative in its styling. It was developed jointly by teams in Europe and Japan and its initial launch will be in Thailand in March. Europe will be the next in line to receive the car this fall. The new Micra will also be launched in the fast-growing Chinese auto market.
The Micra will ride on an all-new V platform that will also underpin other upcoming models as well. Power will come from a 1.2-liter three cylinder gasoline engine mated to a manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission. European buyers will also be able to opt for a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine.
While the Nissan Micra has yet to garner the attention of other bold microcars such as the aforementioned Toyota iQ or the Smart Fortwo, the Micra still remains an important model in Nissan’s global product strategy. While other microcars attempt to convince buyers that they’re all about fun, the Micra will make no such illusions and will focus on practicality.
Although the Micra is part of a global vehicle strategy, it’s unfortunately not yet confirmed for North America. This will likely depend on whether American car buyers will continue to downsize, or whether gas prices remain stable.
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