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Want to buy Nissan Micra? Read the review

Last updated on: July 13, 2010 17:49 IST

The Nissan Micra is a small car that offers facilities that even some big sedans do not. Check it out...

Japanese auto major, Nissan Motor Company, is all set to launch its first small car in India. Is it just another small car or does it boast of being something special?

Nissan Micra is an Indian A2 hatchback with a difference. First, the car falls under the Rs 500,000 category and it is manufactured on a new 'V' platform.

Engineered by Nissan in Japan, the V-platform project focusses on reductions in both weight and in the number of components that make up the future models.

The new V-platform project has been designed primarily to make financial sense in emerging markets, while being sophisticated enough for western Europe.

The V-platform has been primarily engineered for comfort on the demanding roads in emerging markets such as India and China. For Western versions of the V-cars, extra emphasis will be placed on more refinement and body control.

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Want to buy Nissan Micra? Read the review

Last updated on: July 13, 2010 17:49 IST

Right now, Nissan Micra will be available in a 1.2L petrol only and the Logan 1.5 litre diesel is expected in about 6 months along with an automatic transmission.

The Micra has a 3 cylinder (Double Over-Head Cam) *DOHC 1198cc petrol engine producing at 75 BHP at 6,000 rpm and 104 NM (Newton meter) of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Idling is silent, and its refinement is leagues ahead of a Maruti A-Star and there is hardly any rocking motion felt inside. Size wise, the Nissan Micra is in the same category as the Maruti Swift. Its bug-eyed headlamps and twin grille give it a very cute look.

Women and youngsters are likely to be impressed by the style more than the die-hard car enthusiasts!

* Double Over-Head Cam. The engine has 2 camshafts that are located within the cylinder head at the top of the engine.

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Want to buy Nissan Micra? Read the review

Last updated on: July 13, 2010 17:49 IST

The Micra has a driver airbag as a standard which sets it apart from market leaders like Maruti, Tata and Hyundai.

In the top variant there are features like dual airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brake distribution) brakes, climate control, keyless entry and go, engine start / stop button, tilt-adjustable steering, 4 power windows, engine immobiliser, 4 speaker audio system with CD / MP3 / AUX compatibility, multi-information display and rear wash / wipe.

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Want to buy Nissan Micra? Read the review

Last updated on: July 13, 2010 17:49 IST

One of the key features of the Nissan Micra are the key sensors on door handles that let you open the car with the key in your pocket.

The Nissan Micra follows a circular design pattern everywhere. All the car's instruments are circular with the fuel tank lid being the only exception.

The instrument panel has an orange backlight and the car has grey and beige interiors. The quality of material used and the finish are also very impressive. The big rear windows feel good.

The dashboard dials are easily readable, but the driver seat is not adjustable. However, the steering is smooth and feels good and due to a well positioned driver seat, the visibility is also good.

The steering has tilt adjustment that makes driving comfortable. There is enough headroom, legroom and space. The Micra feels more spacious compared to its competitors.

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CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Want to buy Nissan Micra? Read the review

Last updated on: July 13, 2010 17:49 IST

The car's air-conditioning is good and so is the boot space. The tiny boot lamp is very useful and the rear seats can be completely folded to make more space.

The glove box is small. There are cup holders in front of the gear stick and bottle holder for the rear passenger as well.

The car's noise refinement is good even at idling and there are low or almost no vibrations even at idling. But punch at low rpm is not as good, especially in the 1,500-2,000 rpm range. The 1.2 petrol three cylinder engine has a 6,800 revs limit.

However, all the punch loss is compensated by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) rating of 18.06 km per litre that might be a good sign given that the price of fuel is on a steady rise.

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