Small cars are big in India. And small cars bristling with technology are what the average Indian consumer is now craving. If the waiting periods on some of the more popular hatchbacks are anything to go by, we could do with a few more capable options.
That’s where the Nissan Micra comes in. Probably the two biggest things going for the Micra are the addition of an engine start/stop button and a classy remote key fob. You can casually walk up to the car with the key fob in your pocket, press the innocuous ‘request’ switch on the door handle and open the door in one motion. Sure, the key fob also has a lock/unlock button just like any standard keyless entry system, but where’s the fun in that? As long as the key fob is within a metre or so from the car, you’ll be able to unlock and start the car.The car is available in three variants; XE, XL and XV, all with a peppy 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol that makes 76 bhp @ 6000 rpm. With a kerb weight of about 895 to 930kg (depending on variant), the car feels nimble and light. Even the base version comes with a
driver airbag as standard. The base XE has an A/C and power steering too, but not much else. The mid XL version adds wheel covers, a rear wash/wipe, tachometer, integrated stereo and power windows. Though it’s the higher-end XV that gets dual airbags, ABS, climate control A/C, electrically adjustable and foldable mirrors, fog lamps, keyless entry and the glorious engine start-stop button.It may seem silly, but to car enthusiasts and wannabe boy racers, the addition of that one little button instead of the usual key ignition is a feature worth talking about. It transports you, if only for a fleeting second, to the cockpit of a purpose-built racecar. You ‘feel’ like a racecar driver. And it’s that notional value that Nissan’s betting on.
The light kerb weight and revvy engine contributes to a zippy drive around town. The steering wheel is light (a little too light for some) and visibility is good all around. And thanks to the engine’s frugal nature, you’ll easily get 15 to 16kmpl in the city. The air conditioning works great, even if the funky rotary-style controls for the climate control system in the XV are not to everyone’s liking.Comparing the UK spec Micra, the top-of-the-line Indian version gets a dull grey dashboard (which they call Greige) instead of the black. The Indian version also does away with the additional display in the middle of the speedometer that normally houses a temperature display, fuel economy indicator and cruise control functions. Some other features like steering mounted audio controls and alloy wheels will no doubt find their way to the Indian XV version in due course.
At the price that the Micra XV goes for (Rs 5.8 lakh, on-road Delhi), it should have had steering mounted audio controls and alloy wheels as standard fitment. The fully-loaded Maruti Swift petrol sells at about Rs 10k less than the Micra XV. And other upstarts like the Chevy Beat and Ford Figo are already building up a good deal of fan following.
After pushing the slow-moving X-Trail and Teana, the Micra might just be the seller that Nissan is hoping for. It has what it takes, but will have to add some more value (and equipment in the top line version) to outpace some of the more established big sellers in the segment. And Nissan will have to expand their dealer and service network to keep up with the demand that a small car generates too.
Specifications:
1.2-litre 3-cylinder DOHC petrol engine
Power - 76 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque - 104Nm @ 4000rpm
5-speed manual gearbox
Auto A/C, keyless entry, immobilizer, dual airbags, ABS, electrically adjustable and foldable mirrors, fog lamps, engine start-stop button (as tested; XV version)
MRP:
Micra XE – Rs 3.98 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Micra XE Plus – Rs 4.25 lakh (ex-showroom)
Micra XL – Rs 4.69 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Micra XV - Rs 5.28 Lakh (ex-showroom)
