Nissan launches facelifted Micra and cheaper variant called Active

The facelifted Nissan Micra has been launched in India, and it now comes with the option of a CVT to rid you of any  gear-shifting troubles you may have. For those of you who aren’t aware, a CVT or a continuously variable transmission can shift steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between specified minimum and maximum values. This rids the car of any sudden gearshifts and eliminates jerky changes which may occur in standard auto gearboxes.

Anyway, back to Nissan, who will also be offering a low-cost variant of the Micra called the Micra Active henceforth. Prices for the Micra Active start at Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Micra has an updated front end with new headlamps, a larger grille and a deeper chin putting forth an aggressive face for the hatchback. The bonnet and front fenders have been played with as well, to accommodate the new headlamps. The overall length of the car is up by 45mm as compared to its predecessor. At the rear, there are LED tail-lamps, a new rear bumper and a plastic add-on for the tail gate lip. The new Micra also gets new alloy wheels.

Step inside and you’ll find new reshaped seats, to provide better support. The centre console is glossy black and plenty of silver highlights catch one’s eyes on the dash and doorpads. Keyless entry and go, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux-in ports and a reversing camera have been added to the features list.

The CVT ’box is available only with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. The carmaker claims that the new gearbox is very fuel efficient (19.34kpl) and improves upon the standard five-speed manual’s economy (18.44kpl). The sound insulation has also been improved and the suspension has been tweaked. The 1.5-litre diesel delivers 23.08kpl (all fuel economy figures are ARAI claimed).

The 2013 Micra Diesel can be ordered in four trims, but the petrol is available in only three and the CVT ‘box option can be ordered only with the XV petrol variant.

It’s younger brother, the Micra Active is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol motor which  provides 19.49kpl (ARAI claimed). Three variants are on offer, the XE, XL and XL (Safety). Dual airbags, central locking and EBD, among other features make it onto the car.

2013 Nissan Micra Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Diesel

XL: Rs 5.9L
XL (Option): Rs 6.43L
XV: Rs 6.9L
XV Premium Rs 7.14L

Petrol

XL: Rs 4.79L
XL (O): Rs 5.42L
XV CVT (Auto): Rs 6.39L

Nissan Micra Active Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Petrol only

XE: Rs 3.5L
XL: Rs 4.01L
XV: Rs 4.3L
XV (Safety): Rs 4.71L