Nissan Micra

The wraps are off Nissan's Micra! These drawings have been leaked onto the internet, almost a year ahead of its official UK launch.

Although the sketches that appeared earlier this month suggested a sleeker, sportier replacement, it's clear to see that the new Fiesta rival has been toned down for the showroom. Changes include a new MINI-style grille and Fiat Punto-like headlights, but it's less individual than the current car losing the wheel-at-each-corner stance and trademark curvey shape.

The leaked drawings come, coincidentally, as Nissan revealed more about the Micra range on the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show at a special press event.

The new supermini will sit on all-new V platform – the V standing for versatile – which is lighter and roomier than before. It will spawn a saloon model (destined for emerging markets such as India and China) and an MPV too, replacing the popular Note in late 2011.

By managing to shed 50kg over the current car, Nissan says the new Micra will be more efficient and better to drive. it will have more space inside too with raised quality levels, while its body will be more aerodynamically efficient.

Some engines and gearboxes are likely to be carried over from the current car, but Nissan has developed an all-new three-cylinder unit, and a new CVT automatic gearbox for the new model. Together with the significant weight savings, expect this model – which is likely to get stop-start too – to return at least 60mpg and emit less than 120g/km of CO2.

The new model will not be built at Nissan's Sunderland plant, but instead will be produced at a variety of factories in emerging markets including Thailand – where it will be first launched in March 2010 – and India.
This approach will help Nissan to keep costs down – so expect the new Micra to be very competitvely priced when it goes on sale here, most likely just in five-door form (a three-door has yet to be confirmed) in October 2010.

With the new Micra available in more than 150 countries from next year, it should be one of the firm's best sellers. Nissan estimates more than 1million Micra-based models will be sold each year when production is in full swing.

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