Around the ongoing chase for the zero emissions electric autonomous car, perhaps not enough kudos are going to the alliance manufacturers pooling resources and technology to create high output low capacity engines with smaller and smaller carbon footprints.
The newest example to grace local shores is the 84 kW Nissan Micra Turbo born of the Renault-Nissan Alliance in conjunction with Daimler.
Importantly, costs savings created through these joint ventures mean it is possible within reasonable pricing levels to significantly boost the safety and luxury levels of these cars and the new Micra comes with a state-of-the-art Bose Personal sound system and an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features.
The updated model comes standard with sport suspension, sport exhaust tail pipe fin, Smart (keyless) entry, push start button, rear parking sensors, automatic folding exterior mirrors, leather steering wheel and shift lever, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Moving Object Detection and blind spot warning.
The 84 kW Tekna model comes with LED headlights and front fog lights, automatic air-conditioner and automatic headlight level and the Tekna Plus, with ‘Invigorating Red’ interior personalisation, leather heated seats and ‘Enigma Black’ exterior colour.
The turbo-charged 1,0-litre petrol engine produces 84 kilowatts of power – 18 kilowatts more than its predecessors – and 180 Newton metres of torque.
The new DIG-T (Direct Injection Gasoline – Turbo) engine features a number of technical innovations, which allow it to deliver a spirited performance while maintaining high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
One of these innovations is the delta cylinder head – a world first for a 1,0-litre petrol engine – which makes for a more compact and lightweight engine and provides for an increase in available impact protection space and greater freedom in the design of the car’s bonnet.
Another is the bore spray coating on the cylinders. Developed from the Nissan GT-R, this reduces the friction in the cylinder, improves heat management and combustion, cuts weight and improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The vehicle offers a better driving experience than ever before and boasts improved stability as well as tighter handling, with a 6-speed manual transmission and a dropped suspension.
The flagship versions featuring the 1.0-litre engine have a ride height that is around 10 mm lower and revised suspension tuning to optimise the benefits of that reduction. They also have sharper steering, with a steering rack that is quicker and lighter to use, so the car is noticeably more agile and fun to drive.
The top-of-the-range digital sound symposium and as the driver, you’ll enjoy a rich, immersive 360-degree soundstage. The Tekna and Tekna Plus models come fully fitted with an exclusive Bose Personal sound system, complete with headrest speakers.
The Bose Personal sound system includes an amplifier under the driver’s seat, wide-range speakers in the front doors, tweeters in the dashboard – which deliver sonic clarity and punch – and two 6 cm UltraNearField speakers in the driver’s headrest.
The headrest speakers are designed to enhance the audio system the sound bias is adjustable, using the infotainment screen.
As with previous versions, the updated model is also compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto to make interacting with a phone while driving – smarter and safer. And it comes equipped with Nissan’s patented Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technology, a suite of advanced technology bringing to life a reimagined driving experience which gives you peace of mind, opens up new experiences and connects you to your world and those around you.
Pricing
- MICRA 66kW Turbo Visia: R252 800.00
- MICRA 66kW Turbo Acenta: R279 400.00
- MICRA 66kW Turbo Acenta Plus: R295 400.00
- MICRA 84kW Turbo Acenta Plus: R305 900.00
- MICRA 84kW Turbo Tekna: R326 300.00
- MICRA 84kW Turbo Tekna Plus: R336 900.00
