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Next Micra revealed
02 October 2009
This is the next Nissan Micra, Autocar can reveal.
The UK’s allocation of the new supermini will be built at a plant in India, signalling the end of Micra production at Nissan's Sunderland facility. It will be based off a 'new platform' specifically designed for compact cars, according to Nissan insiders.
Dubbed a “global compact car” by Nissan, the vehicle will be sold in over 150 countriies around the world, and could get a different name, which will be revealed at a later date.
Five countries are earmarked to produce the car: India, Thailand, China and two undisclosed locations, expected to be in Asia. Production at the Sunderland plant will switch to building the new Qazana and possibly the recently revealed electric Leaf.
The styling of the new Micra is less cutesy and more conventional than the outgoing car, echoing the Vauxhall Corsa and Alfa Mito in its lines.
The side of the car has a bulge running through the doors and into the rear lights. The roof runs into an integrated rear spoiler.
“It is a proud moment for us today as we reveal the first sketch of our global compact car,” said Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and CEO of Nissan India.
“We are confident that the car, which will be manufactured locally in Chennai, will delight the discerning Indian customers. We are serious and committed in our plans for India and are all excited as we gear up for the start of production in May 2010.”
Early estimates suggest Nissan could build 1m units of the car a year. The new Micra will go on sale in the UK in October next year.
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