The 2018 Nissan Micra which is based on the Sway design concept has arrived at the 2017 Paris Motor Show which is currently under way. The all-new European hatchback has got nothing in common with the outgoing model and has clearly moved up the market.
Ditching the older model’s conservative lines, the new gen hatchback goes for an energetic styling which is full of sharp edges and modern elements. The V-Motion chrome grille and a pair of angry looking headlamps set the tone upfront.
A hexagonal greenhouse, floating roof, blacked out C-pillar, pronounced wheel arches and large alloy wheels characterize the car’s profile. Nissan’s obsession boomerang-shaped taillights can be seen in the 2017 Micra as well. The new design has also helped Nissan to reduce the car’s drag coefficient to just 0.29, an excellent figure for a hatchback this size.
The interior features a neat dashboard with twin-pod instrument cluster, new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a centre console-mounted touchscreen infotainment system. Equipment list includes Bose UltraNearfield speakers along with Bose PersonalSpace Virtual Audio Technology. This is something really new. The headset is embedded into the driver seat’s headrest, giving you an even better music listening experience. In addition to this, both front doors also get Bose Super65 speakers.
The fifth generation Micra also gets features like Lane Departure Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, Intelligent Around View Monitor, 7″ full color central display with sat nav, Apple Car Play or Android Auto integration.
While the previous version is based on Nissan’s V-platform, the new gen Micra for Europe is underpinned by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF modular architecture. Power comes from a new 0.9 liter three cylinder petrol engine or if you choose, a 1.5 liter diesel. Both generating peak power of 90 hp. A 1.0 liter 73 hp petrol engine will be added at a later date.
Unlike the existing car which is shipped to Europe from Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Chennai factory in India, the 2017 Nissan Micra will be made at Renault’s Flin’s plant in France. The next iteration of the India-spec car would be retaining the V-platform. It’s too early to speculate about its styling.
