Less than a month after revealing the facelifted 2014 Micra, the performance division at Nissan has announced a Nismo version of the March (Micra in India). Bookings for the March Nismo are open and deliveries will begin in Japan from December. It is likely though, that Nissan will not bring the performance variant to the Indian market.
The performance tuned Micra comes in two variants, the Nismo and the Nismo S. The former get a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to the Xronic CVT gearbox to produce 80PS 106Nm of torque. But the Nismo S is what would hit the right notes for the more serious Micra enthusiast. It gets a specially tuned 1.5-litre mill mated to a quick shift five-speed manual powertrain. This engine produces 115.6PS and 156Nm of torque.
The Nismo S also benefits from a bespoke exhaust system, a stiffer and customised suspension arrangement, and a more precise brake system. Body rigidity has also been improved via a rear anti-roll bar. The Nismo S rides on Bridgestone Potenza tyres and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Nismo team has brought about ample modifications to the exterior so as to distinguish the sport spec version from the standard Micra. The body kit gets evident additions like new bumpers, front grille, side sill protectors, red exterior mirrors and LED daytime running lights. Nissan is also offering three exterior colours to choose from: Pure Black, Brilliant Silver and Brilliant White Pearl.
Inside, the Nismo get race derived bucket seats, a short throw gear-shift lever, piano black trim and special brushed aluminium racing pedals. The icing on the cake is the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheels overlooking the 220 kmph speedometer.
The CVT Nismo Micra costs 1,540,350 Yen (INR 9.44 lakhs) while the manual costs 1,770,300 Yen (INR 10.85 lakhs) before taxes. There is no harm in anticipating an Indian launch, is there? But in India, the Nismo S will cost alomost 14lakh with taxes and at this price Nissan has absolutely no incentive to sell the variant here and so the VW Polo GT TSI can breathe easy for now.
Source: WorldCarFans
