Micra goes triple

Nissan has rejigged its Micra range offering more standard equipment on all models, as well as deleting the previously-available 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

The change coincides with the relocation of Micra production from Indonesia to India.

The standard powerplant across the Australian Micra range becomes the three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine that was once seen only on the base ST Micra. The choice between manual five-speed and four-speed auto transmission remains.

As the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine in the Nissan range, the little three-cylinder will add to the Micra's eco credentials. The sting of adopting the smaller engine across the board is diluted by equipment upgrades.

The three-cylinder produces 56kW at 6000rpm and 100Nm at 4000rpm (the 1.5-litre four-cylinder made 75kW at 6000rpm and 136Nm at 4000rpm) and is quoted at 5.9L/100km for the five-speed manual transmission version and 6.5L/100km for the four-speed automatic. The 1.5 quoted 6.5L/100km manual and 6.6L/100km for the auto.

CO2 emissions are 138g/km for the 1.2-litre manual and 154g/km for the auto, comparing with 153g/km and 156g/km respectively for the deleted 1.5.

Nissan says equipment upgrades will compensate for the engine downgrade. These include a headlight leveller and auto-off functions, as well as new seats and rear armrests on all models. The mid-spec ST-L now gains 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, passenger-seat bag holder and driver's armrest.

The flagship Ti adds a rear spoiler to its standard equipment list.

Pricing for the upgraded Micra range is unchanged:

ST 1.2 manual $13,490
     1.2 auto      $14,990

ST-L 1.2 manual $15,490
         1.2 auto     $16,990

Ti      1.2 manual $17,490
         1.2 auto     $18,990

Metallic paint $495