Nissan Micra 2007 News

Sometimes the best cars don't win comparison tests. That was the case this week.

Nissan’s 2014 refresh for the European-market Micra has surfaced online, ahead of a likely local debut next year – although Nissan Australia would not confirm dates as yet. The latest details follow the Bangkok Motor Show preview of the Thai-spec Micra update earlier this year. The European model features similar front and rear fascia updates to the Thai model, with the exception of subtly reshaped headlights that link the Micra with the design of the Pulsar and upcoming Altima models. The redesigned LED tail-light internals appear to match the Thai model, along with the revised interior which scores a new centre stack and updated trim and materials in a bid to move the little Micra away from the ‘bargain box’ stigma. The current model starts at $13,490 and tops out at $18,990 for the Micra Ti. Europe also gains an updated optional satnav system, and USB connectivity joins the feature list for the first time. Australian-spec Micras are currently sourced from India, and which version will be adopted by India -- and therefore Australia -- is yet to be confirmed. Asked when either version of the Micra will appear locally, Nissan Australia spokesman Peter Fadeyev told Carsguide a firm “not yet.” Such a revision to the local Micra lineup is likely to be at least 12 months away though, considering the revised specs and shift to Indian supply occurred in January this year. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

Nissan’s Micra is back. After a few years away, Nissan has reintroduced its entry level hatch with a distinctive look and a starting price of $14,990.A standard 72kW 1.4-litre engine matched with a four-speed automatic, other features include air-con, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, MP3 compatible CD, and the safety double of dual airbags and ABS.A $1700 option pack adds dual side and curtain airbags, six-CD stacker and 15-inch alloys. The dramatic styling and bold colours; pink is on the Sydney Motor Show stand, which marks the Micra as a stand-out in both spec and price.A little larger is Nissan’s Dualis, a compact five-door crossover that’s smaller than X-Trail, Murano and Patrol.Dimensionally, DUALIS sits between small car hatchbacks and SUVs, it runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 102kW with a six-speed manual or CVT with six-speed manual mode. Its all-wheel drive system has three modes selected via a switch, from two-wheel drive to 50:50 4WD. Prices start from $28,990 for ST up to $35,990 for the Ti with CVT.Finally, Nissan’s new, larger X-Trail made its debut and the base ST model’s price remains at $31,990. Standard spec includes ESP, side airbags, air-con, 16-inFch wheels and Nissan’s intelligent 4x4-i system.The ST-L and Ti models get 17-inch alloys, climate control, six-CD stacker with MP3 compatibility, while a sunroof, heated seats and rear parking sensors are reserved for Ti. The ST-L is $35,990 while the Ti starts at $38,990. CVT is available on both models for an extra $2000. See these cars at the Australian International Motor Show  

  Batman's new car is here, its the futuristic Nissan Mixim, which will be rolled into the spotlight at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. The Mixim will show what the Japanese carmaker can do to lure youngsters to the world of electric cars, even though the wild gull-wing body is draped over the basics of the Micra baby car. Nissan says the three-seater Mixim is a one-off show car, but there is more to the edgy coupe than its design. It runs on compact lithium-ion batteries, uses a pair of 'Super Motor' electric motor-generators at each end to give it all-wheel-drive, and is claimed to run hard with a useful range between plug-in top-ups. It will not be stretched at the Frankfurt show, but Nissan will still prove it is more than just a dream machine. The heart of the Mixim program is development of greener cars to get young people to buy into the future of motoring. That is why the cockpit is more like a gaming console, with the driver sitting in the centre and operating a wheel and controls that are more like a computer interface. The two passengers, sitting on either side, are just like spectators in an arcade. The shape is based on a sharp wedge body, a wrap-around windscreen inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, and gull-wing doors. The nose is closed because there is no radiator to feed, but the body has a big back end with a hatchback luggage cover. Though the Mixim is just for show, the Micra is getting closer to local showrooms. At Frankfurt, it will also be tweaked with a Colour+Concept show car dripping with liquid metal gold paint over a base of pearlescent white. There will also be a mild facelift of the showroom Mica, which is the car coming to Australia, including a new look for the headlamps, more chrome on the body, blacked-out B pillars and a new Bluetooth-compatible sound system and an essential iPod plug-in.  

It might be getting a bit long in the tooth overseas, but Nissan Australia reckons it can put a new spin on the mini Micra. The wee hatch has been on sale in Europe for five years, but Nissan hopes its bug-eyed looks, cheeky rear end and compact dimensions will generate keen interest in the hotly contested light car segment. But it will need to be good. It must square up against the Honda Jazz, Hyundai Getz, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and popular Suzuki Swift when it arrives in November. For Australia, Nissan plans to keep the Micra line-up simple, with a 1.4-litre, five-door, four-speed auto-only hatch. Though European Micras are available with a 1.2-litre petrol or 1.5-litre dCi diesel, Nissan Australia general manager of marketing Ross Booth says he plans to stick to one engine, the petrol 1.4-litre. It delivers 65kW at 5200rpm and 128Nm at 3200rpm. Though it does require premium unleaded, the auto Micra delivers 5.6litres/100km in the combined European cycle. Final pricing and specifications are yet to be confirmed, but Mr Booth is confident it will hit local showrooms for about $16,000. Nissan briefly flirted with the mini-Micra from 1995-1997, but exchange rates forced it from the market. The new one is just as funky and good-looking, and Nissan hopes will bring a quality feel to the entry segment. The five-door weighs 985kg, making it a perky city runabout. Despite its relatively light weight, it got a commendable four-star European crash test result in 2003. Inside, the cabin has a European flair, with high-quality trim.  

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

But it will be officially launched at the Tokyo Motor Show, which starts on October 26.

HOLDENThe focus at the GM-owned stand willbe the concept of the next generation of America's iconic muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro. The partly Australian-designed sports coupe concept will make its debut here.Holden will be evaluating public response to determine if the Camaro will be a viable option for the local market.The new model has been confirmed for production in North America at the beginning of 2009. It is expected to be identical to the concept model, a modern interpretation of its original 1969 form.Part of the Camaro's engineering and design work is done in Melbourne.Holden is also unveiling a diesel version of its Captiva family all-wheel-drive plus the new Epica mid-size sedan. FORDThe hottest new baby car for Australia is the Fiesta XR4 (pictured on today's cover) which Ford will start selling here mid-year.The European-built car will complement its big brother the Focus XR5 Turbo.The XR4 will be powered by a 2.0-litre Duratec 16 valve engine. Falcon Cobra-style stripes will enhance its racy looks.Also following the Cobra style is a limited-edition run of 200 FPV GTs to commemorate 40 years since the first Falcon V8, the XR GT, was built in 1967.The distinctive black with gold stripes machine will sell for $65,110 from next month. TOYOTAThe company will reveal its latest prestige performance vehicles. The locally designed Toyotas make their world debut in Melbourne.The TRD range features a supercharged 3.5-litre, V6 Aurion sports sedan and the supercharged 4.0-litre, V6 HiLux sports utility.The Aurion will go on sale in the middle of the year and the Hilux will be launched towards the end of the year. AUDI The surprise of the show could be Audi's new S5 and A5 models, which make their world debut at the Geneva show next week.The A5 will be available in both four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the 3.2-litre, 195kW V6 petrol topping the range.The S5 has an eight-cylinder 260kW engine, producing 440Nm of torque. It sprints from nought to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.The coupes will be available to order from March, with deliveries starting in June. JEEPThe Chrysler brand will preview three of its new production models in Melbourne.The all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will be the main attraction to the stand, along with the first compact SUV for Jeep, the Compass.The Wrangler has been redesigned, and has a new diesel engine added to the range.The Unlimited is a four-door model, with five seats and extended wheelbase.The new Compass will be available in both petrol and diesel engines when it goes on sale this month and the company believes it will appeal to a younger audience. NISSANNissan will unveil three new models, including the much-talked-about Qashqai, which has been renamed Dualis for the Australian market. The Dualis will be launched in Australia towards the end of this year and will slot into the small segment.Nissan will also display the new Micra, a 1.4-litre small car which will also go on sale towards the end of the year and the revised 350Z. With a new 3.5-litre, V6 engine, the 350Z will go on sale in April. It also features changed interior and exterior designs. HONDAHonda's latest offering in fuel-cell technology, the new FCX concept, is making its Australian debut in Melbourne.The low-riding, sporty sedan runs on hydrogen and has more power, while still offeringa a full-sized cabin. Honda is currently working on a retail version of the prototype for the US and Japan. EDAGThe engineering and design company will exhibit its EDAG SUV, a one-of-kind model based on the Porsche Cayenne. The modified SUV has been lowered and reshaped and the roofline dropped by 70mm.It has a 447kW turbo engine, with large air inlets on the front bumper for the intercoolers. Wedge-shaped side skirts and muscular fenderflares give the EDAG SUV even more character. It sits on 23-inch wheels with ultra-low profile tyres.Inside, four sports seats are separated by a full-length centre console, which features a DVD player and Sony PS2 game console. BMWWe'll see the debut of the new X5 in Australia at the motor show.The revised SUV will go on sale in April with a 3.0-litre diesel and a 4.8-litre, V8 petrol engine. A 3.0-litre petrol will be available from June. Prices will start at $80,000.BMW will also show the 3 Series convertible as well as the the updated 5 Series and 1 Series. MAZDAMazda will feature the Australian preview of its new large SUV, the CX-9. The seven-seater will be the third SUV for Mazda when it goes on sale in Australia in January.It is expected to cost $55,000-$60,000.Mazda will have both a cut model with the roof taken off, as well as a left-hand drive, North American production model on display.