It has been confirmed by Japanese auto manufacturer Nissan India that a new version of hatchback Micra and a Renault Duster-based compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) will be launched during 2013. Of these, the Micra is the first one, which is expected to be officially launched in the month of May this year. As for the Duster-based compact SUV, it arrive somewhere around the third quarter of 2013 calendar year.
There have been several changes in the facelifted version of Micra for the international markets. These include a new front bumper rear spoiler, headlamps and fog lamps, black coloured central console, 15 inch alloy wheels and new LED tail lights. In addition to the above, an automatic air conditioner interface, along with new graphics. There are also many other refinements, such as trip computer, break notice and back sensor for Alert & Warning on the Multi Information Display (MID) have also been installed in this vehicle. Reportedly, the facelift model of Micra was seen in Thailand before the start of 2013 Bangkok Motor Show. Experts are not sure whether the same version would come to India or not, but the Indian spec Micra will surely get an option of X-Tronic CVT, which is an automatic gearbox.
A low cost variant of the Nissan Micra facelift also appears to be on the cards for Indian buyers. The other vehicle, which is the Duster-based compact SUV, would be launched by the end of 2013. Due to the strategic alliance between Renault and Nissan, this upcoming model would have the same platform as the current Duster, However, interiors are expected to be better and the price would be lower, which would make it a more attractive proposition than the Duster. Industry experts believe that the engines would also be the same, which would essentially reduce the waiting period on the Renault Duster.
