Nissan has launched its 2011 Micra to the Irish market. The new car replaces its big-selling predecessor, which in 2010 - despite it being in its run-out year - was Nissan's second biggest selling car.
The new model features a 80hp 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that puts out 110Nm and the car is significantly lighter than before, weighing in at just 980kg. A combination of this engine with a lightweight body means fuel economy of five litres/100km on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are just 115g/km.
There are three grades available for the new Nissan Micra - XE, SV and SVE - and standard equipment varies from reasonably basic on the XE model, which has 14-inch steel wheels and manual mirrors, yet it is high on safety equipment, with ESP as standard as well as a CD player with audio jack and Bluetooth phone controls.
SV grade adds air conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels, cruise control with speed limiter, leather steering wheel and gear shift knob, front armrest and a height adjustable driver seat.
The top spec SVE grade features auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, Nissan Connect with Bluetooth (a multimedia control unit) and it also features a clever parking slot measurement system with parking sensors that allows you to measure up a potential parking spot before attempting to park. There is also a 'Matrix' display, which is essentially a multi-function computer, electrically foldable mirrors, a glass roof and an 'intelligent' key with push button starter.
The XE grade Nissan Micra costs €14,195, with a €1,000 price walk to the €15,195 SV. The top spec SVE costs €16,995. There will be a €3,000 scrappage offer on the new Micra, which means it will be available from just €11,195.
Nissan expects to sell 2,000 Micras in 2011.