Nissan Micra
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The Nissan Micra is a car produced by Nissan. Its name in Japan is Nissan March. The original Micra, which carried the official Nissan codename "K10-series", was introduced in 1982 was intended to replace the Cherry as the company's competitor in the "supermini" segment, as the Cherry model itself had progressively become larger with each successive generation. This boxy looking hatchback was launched in the "transition period" when Nissan didn't really know whether to call itself "Nissan" or "Datsun". The Micra both looks and drives like the later Ford Festiva/Mazda 121. The Datsun name was finally dropped in 1984, and the earliest Micras carry both Nissan and Datsun badges. The Micra was initially available with a 1.0 litre overhead camshaft engine derived from the type used in the Sunny and Cherry ranges. Apart from this, there was very little exciting about the car, its main customer were driving schools who appreciated its mechanical durability and its easiness to drive. Apart from a minor facelift in 1988 which saw the introduction of the larger 1.2 engine and a 5-door version, the car was not changed that much, and remained in production until 1992.
Launched at the end of 1992, the second-generation Micra was a world away from the old one, with curvy styling that within a few years guided the competition away from boxy 1980s designs. It was also significant in that it was built in Nissan's Sunderland plant in Britain. Power came from 1.0 and 1.3 petrol engines, with fuel injection and 16 valves on both. Power steering was either optional or standard on all models, and the equipment list was very up to date. Airbags, antilock brakes, electric windows, central locking and air conditioning were available as options on most of the original Micra range but as time passed the level of standard equipment got higher.
In 1998, six years after its launch, the Micra received a minor facelift which saw the whole range get power steering as standard.
A third facelift came in 2000, when the 1.3 was dropped and replaced by a 1.4 unit. But by the now the Micra was starting to show its age against far more modern rivals like the Peugeot 206, Fiat Punto and Skoda Fabia.
An all-new Micra finally came at the end of 2002, marking the end of 10 years production of the award winning 1992 version. When the last MK2 Micras rolled off the production line, it felt a very long time since the car had been voted European Car of the Year (for 1993) - the first Japanese car to win the award.
As of spring 2005 there are three main marks K10, K11, K12. The K10 is very box like little car, there is a version that is supercharged and turbo charged its called the superturbo. The K11 is quite rounded and the K12 is very rounded and some might say looks like a frog.
External link
- UK Micra Sports Club (http://www.micra.org.uk)ja:日産・マーチ