The long awaited hidden weapon in Nissan Motors India Private Limited arsenal has been finally unleashed. Yes, the Nissan Micra diesel launch in India which was impeding has been finally launched on 10th December 2010. Now, it is well known that the Nissan Micra, inspite of shortage of dealers is just flying off the shelfs. That it sold more than 4000 units since the time it was launched three months back is testimony to the fact. This is not counting the exports which have been so far very good for the Nissan Micra model. Now that Nissan Motors India Private Limited have launched the Nissan Micra diesel, nothing better than to check out the new car and give you a report of the first drive.
Look wise, the car hasn’t changed much from its petrol brethren. The only visual differentiators are those snazzy looking 6 spoke alloy wheels and the Dci badging at the rear. Why the petrol variant lacks the alloy wheels is still unknown. Inside the cabin, the gear shifter has changed a bit and it now has that polished metal look to it. The top end version gets two air bags, a fabulous sounding stereo system with aux input{I played Sheela Ki Jawani on it……………….hehe} and automatic AC. The seats as always are comfortable however the steering wheel is only height adjustable however the point is that the seat themselves are not adjustable for height. Because of the heavy diesel motor, the clutch has been also beefed up. This makes it heavier on the left foot. Wish Nissan Motors India Private Limited had given an automatic transmission to this car. Sigh! The gearbox in the Nissan Micra diesel is quite precise and easy to operate just like the petrol motored one.
Because of the heavy diesel motor, front suspension has been beefed up and this means that the car rides good over bigger bumps however it’s the small ones which upset this small car. Overall, in the 5 kilometers or so that I drove the Nissan Micra diesel, the ride quality was better than its rival, the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The noise insulation was also okay however at high speeds, engine as well as wind noise is quite apparent. The interiors are roomier than the Swift as well. However the seats feel a bit lacking in the cushioning department. This might be as a result of the cost cutting measure done by the company and one which needs immediate attention.
The engine doing duties in the car is the result of the Renault Nissan alliance. It is borrowed from the Renault Logan. The engine is a 1.5 liter one with 4 cylinders, SOHC, common rail making 64 Bhp of power and 160 Nm of highest torque. This is approximately 12 Bhp less than its nearest rival, the Suzuki Swift, however the Nissan Micra diesel, at 1008 kg is lighter by the latter by 67 kgs. The motor, as I know from the much heavier Renault Logan, is a sprightly performer. It delivers power in a linear way and though in the short run, I couldn’t test the 0-100 figures, I am sure it would be in the same ball park as the Suzuki Swift diesel. This was seconded by Nissan Motors India Private Limited’s claim of 15.1 seconds. Puttering around in town of speeds upto 30 kmph in 3rd gear showed no stress or stall from the engine. It seems that the engine is more tuned for city driving however I will reserve this comment until I conduct a full road test on the car. The turning radius is still 4.65 meters and this means its too easy to chuck this car. Parking is a hoot in this car.
Now, this car claims to deliver the best mileage amongst small cars. The ARAI derived figure is 23.08 kmpl. This makes it to easily beat the Swift diesel’s mileage figures of 21 kmpl. The icing on the cake is that the Nissan Micra diesel price starts at Rs.5,80000 {ex-showroom, Delhi} and goes upto Rs.6,37000 {ex-showroom, Delhi} for the top end variant. By the way, the Nissan Micra diesel is only offered in two variants and those are the Nissan Micra diesel XV and the Nissan Micra diesel XV premium.
Technical Specifications Of Nissan Micra Diesel XV Premium
Engine details: 1.5L, In-Line Diesel Engine 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve, SOHC
Engine Displacement(cc): 1461
Maximum Power: 64 PS at 4100 rpm
Maximum Torque: 160 Nm at 2200 rpm
Compression Ratio: 17.9
Bore x Stroke: 76 X 80.5
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Front Suspension: McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam
Steering Details: Electric Power Assisted Rack and pinion
Front Brake Type: Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type: Drum
Turning Radius (wheel base): 4.65 meter
Mileage-Highway (kmpl) ARAI: 23.08
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres): 43
Emission Norm Compliance: Bharat Stage IV
Tyre Size: 175/60 R15 Tubeless Radial
Alloy Wheel Size: 15X5.5J
Seating Capacity: 5 Passengers
No of Doors: 5
Cargo Volume: 261 Liters
