The replacement for the Nissan Micra will be the first car to be built using a new global small car platform. This platform has been designed
The replacement for the Nissan Micra will be the first car to be built using a new global small car platform. This platform has been designed so that it is cheap enough to be used in developing markets but also sophisticated enough for Western Europe.
Apparently this is normally done by using an existing platform and then removing content so that it is affordable for emerging markets. Nissan has designed a platform specific to new markets and then adapts it for the likes of Europe.
The new platform sticks to the low weight profile allowing cars up to a maximum mass of 1600kg along with a torque output of 147lb ft. This will dictate that the largest engine to be used will be a 1.5-litre turbo diesel. Plans for three cars based on this platform so far include the Micra replacement, a small MPV and a small saloon.
The new platform will enable the new Micra to be built with 18 per cent fewer parts than the previous small car. This has the combined effect of reducing both weight and costs.
There has been a lot of effort put into maximising refinements due to the lightweight construction. This has encouraged Nissan engineers to use a multitude of construction tricks such as including more rigid floor pressings, isolation of suspension from the floor and shapes pressed into the roof to reduce resonance.
The vast majority of cars using this new platform will be powered by new, low-friction three-cylinder engines in the form of 0.9- and 1.2-litres. Most of this will probably be using turbochargers as well.
Nissan are hoping that the combination of the lightweight construction and small high torque engines will combine to give better fuel economy than their rivals. A new compact, low-friction CVT transmission has also been developed that will give the cars a higher top ratio than normal.
Those models arriving in Europe will be refined in respect of cabin detail, ride and body control to help satisfy the western car leasing customers.