What was the biggest surprise at the Paris Motor Show?
Was it the added gorgeousness of having the roof chopped off the LaFerrari; the end result, the stunning Aperta?
Maybe it was the Volkswagen ID concept appearing closer to production than expected?
Or was it the likes of Ford, Volvo and Mazda deciding to pull out of exhibiting altogether?
For me it was the humble Nissan Micra. It may not sound the coolest thing to say but what the heck...
The latest Japanese supermini is as far removed from the current Indian built model as it’s possible to be. Whereas the current model is rather tall, dated and pedestrian in its design, the new one has become all dynamic with strong, youthful lines flowing over the car’s bonnet, along its flanks to the rear light clusters. What used to be rather ungainly is now neat, attractive and well formed.
The interior is also a pleasant place to be with a modern dashboard architecture dominated by the now de rigour central touchscreen. It’s simple and all logically laid out. Cabin space seemed reasonable too although the high set rear window line may impede the view out for some.
What’s very clear is that the new Micra is clearly gunning for Europe’s top supermini contenders once more. We’ll have to wait to see how it drives but Nissan executives are confident it’ll deliver.
Not sure there’ll be a NISMO hot hatch version though. What’s clear to me is that it would suit the design and dynamic character of the new Micra well and would give Nissan a way to muscle into Fiesta ST territory. It would also give the Micra added desirability in the form of a halo model to top off the range.
The biggest challenge the new Micra will face will be to change people’s perceptions. I’ve written about the image problems the model has with certain demographics before, (see ‘Is it time to ditch the Micra’). Regardless of the name though, what’s clear is that this revolutionary new design should spice things up in Europe’s ever competitive supermini sector.
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