Nissan shrinks Micra selection
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 13th Apr 2015
The Micra range maintains its $13,490 (before on-road costs) opening price for the base ST manual, while the optional automatic transmission costs an additional $1800.
As reported by GoAuto, Nissan has streamlined the line-up by ditching the mid-spec ST-L, leaving the flagship Micra Ti, which is now priced from $16,990, and only available with the self-shifter.
The entry level micro-car features cruise control, power windows, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth phone pairing and audio streaming as standard, while the top-spec Micra benefits from the addition of satellite-navigation, reversing camera and upgraded interior cloth trim.
Ti variants also get fog-lights, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, 15-inch alloy wheels and LED tail-lights.
Exterior cosmetic changes to the Micra include a redesigned front fascia thanks to Nissan's V-Motion front grille, a new bonnet, guards, headlights, and wheels, while inside there is an updated centre cluster and instrumentation.
The new-look city car is launching locally at the end of the month, after being revealed 18 months ago during the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, with Nissan choosing to delay the model to clear old stock and to ensure competitive pricing and specification on the refreshed model.
Speaking with GoAuto earlier this month, Nissan Australia managing director and CEO Richard Emery said the micro-car segment is a market the Japanese importer wants to compete in, and highlighted the popularity of the Micra.
“We need to stay in that segment. Micra has a loyal following,” he said.
“When you get to below $15,000 for a car, the $500 makes a whole lot of difference to the buying environment.
“It's not a big contributor to our business but we need to be there.”Sales of the micro-sized Micra have slowed, with Nissan selling 243 units in the first three months of 2015, 47.5 per cent down from the 461 Micras sold over the same period last year.
Last year Nissan found 2419 homes for its Micra, representing the third best-selling car in its class behind the Mitsubishi Mirage (6478) and the Fiat 500 (2995).
| Nissan Micra pricing* | |
| ST | $13,490 |
| ST (a) | $15,290 |
| Ti (a) | $16,990 |
