New Micra will build on market share
16 December 2002: Nissan Ireland is planning on selling over 7,000 units of the new Micra in 2003, against a background strategy of building incremently on the 4.1 per cent market share of the outgoing car.
This time, there is also a 1.2-litre engine as well as the 1-litre version we're already quite familiar with, and the range also has a strong emphasis on automatic. There are three levels of specification - Visia, Acenta and Tekna
The styling is absolutely current Nissan, with the 'droop-snoot' front end premiered last year in the new Primera and now continued in the uprated Almera and completed in the Micra.
A diesel will be coming to Ireland in March, the 1.5-litre one already in use in the new Renault Megane. It is not planned to bring in a 1.4-litre petrol unit available elsewhere.
The new Micra has a number of so-called 'smart' features, including an 'intelligent key' which can allow the owner to gain entry to the car just by carrying it in a pocket. This is available in the higher level specifications.
Other ideas filtering down from more expensive cars are automatic wipers, 'walk you home' lights which also feature an automatic turn-off of any lights that are left on inadvertently, after a period of time, and ABS with EBD and brake assist as standard. This Micra also has 'drive by wire' throttle control.
Four-speed electronic automatic transmission is available on the 1.2-litre petrol engine.
The basic 'Visia' package comes with electric front window operation, ABS, and CD player. The Acenta and Tekna specifications, as well as the 'intelligent' key system, also have side airbags, active head restraints and automatic rainsensing wipers.
Nissan Ireland says it is targeting the new car at a different type of customer to that which the older car has attracted. Now it wants a 'demanding, confident, free-thinking individual who doesn't follow the herd'.
Prices range from E14,390-E17,490.
Over-radio box holds CDs
Neat pull-out cupsholder includes mobile phone tray