Nissan announced earlier on Tuesday that it will bring a version of its next-generation Micra small car to the United States market. The Micra – which is currently sold in other global markets – will make its U.S. debut sometime after 2010.
Nissan is currently readying the next-generation of its Micra subcompact, with at least one variation of the new model destined for the U.S. market, according to Automotive News. The next Micra will be available globally as a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and a versatile MPV, but it remains to be seen which model or models will be available in the U.S. Whatever the case, the Micra will slot beneath the Versa in Nissan’s U.S. lineup.
The current Micra is about two-feet shorter than the Versa, and that trend should continue with the next car. Power for U.S.-spec Micra will come from a new three-cylinder gas engine — delivering 50 percent better fuel economy than the current car — although other markets will see a diesel option.
The Micra’s new V platform will be produced at five different plants around the world, but it remains to be seen where the U.S. model will be produced.
No timetable was given for the U.S. launch of the Micra, but the subcompact will launch in Thailand next March.
10/20, 3:37 PM
posted by:
TDi5Power
“other global markets”… Not only sold on Earth, but other planets?
10/20, 3:51 PM
posted by:
A4
Guarantee we will only get the sure-to-be-hideous sedan version.
10/20, 3:54 PM
posted by:
HINKS
Fugly. Send it back!
10/20, 4:13 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
The answer to a question no one asked. So… why offer something even smaller than the Versa? Nissan seriously doesn’t think the Versa/Sentra overlapping isn’t enough?
10/20, 4:35 PM
posted by:
gehrhardt
Ugh, the car I had for Driver’s Ed was a Micra. It was in the early 90’s and my friend (who is 6′1) couldn’t drive it as it was too small. Even with the seat back all the way he couldn’t fit. He had to learn on the “backup car”.
Let’s hope they’ve fixed that problem.
10/20, 5:08 PM
posted by:
mitzo
We hate small vehicles don’t we!!
10/20, 7:49 PM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
Michael Moore will get one
10/20, 7:58 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’d sure as hell rather drive something like this than that ridiculous Land Glider concept in the article below.
Jake, the Versa isn’t really that small. In fact if I had to buy a sh*tbox in that class the Versa would probably be at the top of my list. First of all they’re all kind of homely looking so style doesn’t factor much into the equation here… but at least it has some grunt with the 1.8l.
This thing had better be cheap however, because if it’s too close to the Versa why would you bother going for the smaller penalty box. And isn’t the Versa with the 1.6l one of the least expensive cars already? Of course like gehrhardt says if you can’t fit in the damn thing then it kind of makes the sticker irrelevant.
10/20, 8:24 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
I saw that car all over europe. It’s cute. But another uselessly small car like the Smart Fortwo. And I think that odd looking Cube is small enough to fill in that void.
10/20, 8:30 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
BTW. johnnycanuck. I personally think the best looking of those small cars is the Honda Fit. Or the MINI Cooper. Well I can’t really count the MINI. And I like my SX4 Crossover. Atleast Giugiaro took care of the styling in it and made it look good. and its a 2.0.
10/20, 8:46 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
Between this, the Land Glider, the Scion iQ and the Nissan Cube I think Asian companies have created a conspiracy to flood our shores with the ugliest cars they can create…
10/20, 9:20 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
85Zingo, where are you going to find a new MINI for $9,995? And the SX4… well it’s more than just a notch above the Versa as well. I’m talking true sh*tbox class here. It’s new… it’s got a warranty… and I have neither the interest or the wherewithal to care about anything more than getting from point A to point B.
The Fit kind of falls into the middle. It’s the same size as the sh*tboxes but you pay for that added dose of style and refinement.
10/20, 9:42 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
Yeah you got a good point. The MINI is a BMW and it wont be cheaper than $20K. Unless you really like the MINI or want a sporty and stylish small car, I wouldnt recommend it. $9,995? I can’t think of anything cheaper than that base Accent or Versa.
10/20, 10:12 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I bet the 1.6 Versa goes away once this comes ashore. No reason for a decontented Versa at that point. Just hope the drawings are correct for what the Micra might look like versus this ugly bug-eyed thing. I always cringe when I see one on the UK streets. Its been way overdue for a redesign compared to all the competition. Diesel must be fantastic on mileage
10/21, 3:00 PM
posted by:
ktulu
OK
10/21, 5:46 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Translation:
Okay.
10/21, 5:46 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Ktulu, you’re fun, so don’t go away.