Popular Japanese automobile company Nissan has been quite aggressive towards the Indian car market in the recent past. Hoping to capitalise on the upcoming festive season, the company has launched a new base diesel variant of the Micra hatchback. Priced at 5.57 lakh, the firm has tried to include several features in its new model, along with keeping the pricing in check.
As per Kenichiro Yomura, Nissan Motor India's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the company plans to repeat the success of previous variants. The sales of this new entry have already begun and it is available in six different colours, namely Blade Silver, Olive Green (new), Storm White, Turquoise Blue (new), Brick Red and Onyx Black. The new Nissan Micra XE is 3825 mm long, featuring a redesigned rear and front. A lot of safety features have been added and interiors have been enhanced as well. The luxurious ambience and a comfortable seating space, capable of accommodating five people, have been included in the Nissan Micra XE. The interiors of this new hatchback are being touted as its USP, which are sure to attract buyers. In addition to this, the seat fabric has also been changed, something that was on the cards.
The car features power steering, tachometer and drive computer for the convenience of passenger. According to sources, the auto maker worked on the model as per the response it got regarding previous variants, incorporating the improvements that were suggested. Warning indicators for driver seat belt, low fuel level, key remove, door ajar, head light on are some of the highlights of the new version of the Micra. Immobilizer, dual horn and speed sensing auto door lock have also been included in this new hatchback. The features that have been skipped in the diesel variant of Nissan Micra are power windows, central door locking, keyless entry and steering mounted controls. The audio system has been upgraded to 2 DIN system, which has supports Bluetooth and USB.
Industry experts feel that the car has been reasonably priced, considering the attractive exteriors, interiors and good fuel efficiency. There are no changes in the engine, as it remains the 1461 cc four-cylinder inline engine. With a mileage of 23.08 kmpl, it can well be considered among the most fuel efficient cars in this range. An air bag has been provided for the driver, in case of an emergency situation. With this new entry, Nissan hopes to counter the present scenario, which is hampering the Indian automobile market. Nissan has tried to offer a complete package of great performance and safety features, splendid exteriors and premium interiors. Notably, the company has adopted an aggressive pricing strategy to challenge its rivals and give them a run for their money. In numerous events conducted recently, officials from the company have spoken about how the firm plans to expand its operations in India by catering to a wider customer base.
Analysts feel that coming period could well be the defining time for Nissan in the Indian car market. The company is expected to launch the Terrano compact SUV in the upcoming festive season. And if reports are to be believed, the firm might launched the Datsun Go by next year, a low-cost hatchback that will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon.
