Micra charged, but not guilty

The diesel-beating economy of the new supercharged Micra will be unveiled at next month's Geneva International Motor Show.

Featuring an innovative three-cylinder Miller cycle engine Nissan calls DIG-S (Direct Injection Gasoline -- Supercharger), the petrol-powered unit is capable of delivering the same output as a conventional 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. DIG-S develops 72kW/142Nm from its 1198cc capacity while still offering a top speed of 180km/h.

But on the flipside, economy and low emissions are equally a strong point -- Nissan claiming a combined fuel consumption average of 3.4L/100km while emitting only 95g/km of CO2 in manual format and 115g/km for the CVT version. Further efficiency gains are made thanks to the adoption of advanced engine management systems, idle stop/start technology and brake energy regeneration.

"Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel," said Nissan vice president of product strategy and planning, Pierre Loing.

"We have been able to achieve this ultra low CO2 figure in a cost effective package and without the complication of particulate filters needed to clean up diesel engine emissions and which are not entirely compatible with a car that spends much of its life in the city."

DIG-S-equipped Micra will form part of Nissan's PURE DRIVE environmentally friendly range when it debuts at the Geneva motor show next month. European sales will begin mid-year.

Locally, however, the supercharged Micra is not a consideration, with Nissan Australia's head of corporate communications Jeff Fisher telling the Carsales Network:

"[The supercharged Micra] is not on the drawing board at the moment but it is under evaluation. In the UK and Europe where sub 100g/km emissions mean a significant reduction in tax the supercharged Micra makes sense, but in Australia at the present time, emissions and congestion charges are of little consequence. This may change in the future, but for now [we feel] the 1.5-litre Micra offers a fantastic power versus price proposition."

The Geneva International Motor Show kicks off on March 1.

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