Nissan has announced a few new members to the Micra
lineup, including the new range-topping N-Sport grade, two new engines, and the
option of the automatic XTronic CVT. Starting with the all-new
1.0-liter IG-T 100 engine, it replaces the outgoing 0.9-liter 90 PS unit in the
range, producing 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque. This makes the
new engine 10 PS and 10 Nm more powerful than the old one, while Nissan also
claims lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy.
As standard, the new Micra IG-T 100 will come with a
five-speed manual gearbox but Nissan will also offer the automatic XTronic CVT
as an exclusive option for this engine. As for the new Micra N-Sport,
Nissan says it’s the sportiest member of the range yet, featuring a revised
chassis and also debuting a completely new engine. Under the bonnet you’ll find
a turbocharged 1.0-liter DIG-T three-cylinder unit with 115 hp and 180 Nm of torque, linked to a “performance-oriented” six-speed manual
transmission.
According to Nissan, the 1.0-liter DIG-T is not a
retuned, more powerful version of the IG-T engine but a completely different
unit that’s been developed in conjunction with Daimler alongside the 1.3-liter
turbo-four powertrains that recently debuted in the Qashqai.
The new 115 hp DIG-T engine
offers “noticeably more acceleration” when compared to the 97 hp IG-T unit
throughout the rev range. Peak torque is delivered from just 1,750 rpm (versus
118 lb-ft at 2,750rpm for the 97 hp model). The result is a 0-100 km/h in
9.9 seconds for the Micra with the DIG-T engine, a full second quicker than the
version with the 97 hp unit (10.9 seconds).
Sport models will also feature a lower by 10mm ride
height, along with revised suspension tuning and a quicker steering rack to
make the Micra more agile and fun to drive. The exterior of the new Micra
N-Sport features gloss black touches on the side mouldings and door mirror
caps, a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and a new
chrome-finished exhaust tip. Inside, you’ll get Alcantara-leather seats,
keyless entry, black headliner, white air vents and more.
Sales of the new Nissan Micra are expected to start
in February, with the new N-Sport going against models like the Ford Fiesta
ST-Line, VW Polo R-Line, Seat Ibiza FR-Line and more
