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Nissan Micra Facelift In Europe Brings More Trim Levels

Minor cosmetic refreshes are also to be featured in this updated Nissan supermini. 

Nissan has recently refreshed its popular Micra subcompact in Europe. While not the most major of revamps, this quarter-life updates brings with it some minor design tweaks, not to mention a whole new trim level to the lineup, in the form of the N-design variant. 

Moreover, with the sporty-looking N-sport grade here to stay for good thanks to popular demand, this brings the Micra model range up to 5 variants in all. The other three trim levels being the base Visia, followed by the Acenta and then the Tekna tier. 

On the new N-design trim level, the distinguishing feature from the other variants in the lineup will probably be the addition of black accent trim pieces around the exterior of the Nissan Micra. Chrome accents are also available as an option instead of the black, depending on customer preference. Aside from that, the only other notable difference outside will probably be the new 16-inch two-tone ‘Genki’ alloy wheels, which incidentally also appear on the more premium Tekna trim level. 

Stepping inside, the N-design trim features two-tone black and grey cloth seats, along with what Nissan claims to be leather-look upholstery on the front panel, kneepads and interior door trims. If however the drab grey interior isn’t to one’s fancy, the Japanese automaker is also offering ‘bold and exciting Energy Orange interior’ option, along with what is supposedly a ‘variety of accompanying accessories in the same dynamic colour for truly detail-oriented customisation’.

This being a very minor facelift, the drivetrain of this Nissan city car is still largely untouched. This mildly refreshed Micra still retains its most recent powertrain addition, the 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder that was developed in conjunction with Daimler, though now it is said to comply with the most recent Euro 6d emissions regulations. The torque delivery curve too from this 115 hp power plant is claimed to be enhanced, thereby enabling a smoother, more responsive and more enjoyable drive with fewer gear changes needed. 

Continuing on the practical side of things, Micra trim levels from the Visia onwards is equipped with a host of safety tech, which includes Hill Start Assistance; Intelligent Ride Control; and Intelligent Trace Control. A Safety Pack is also available on selected higher trim levels and brings along with it High Beam Assist; Intelligent Lane Intervention; Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition. Exclusive to the Tekna meanwhile are Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor 360º camera system and Blind Spot Warning, not to mention the Bose Personal audio system. 

This refreshed Nissan Micra set to go on sale soon and is to be produced at a Renault plant, further highlighting the partnership within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Prices of this updated model should remain roughly the same as they are currently, which start from £12,655 (RM 69,000) in the UK. 

PRESS RELEASE: Nissan hits refresh on its iconic Micra, marking the next step in the evolution of the successful city car that first debuted in Europe 38 years ago.

The updated 2021 line-up streamlines the customer offering, refining the selection to a new five grade structure – enabling customers to easily identify and personalise their ideal Micra.

Alongside Visia, Acenta and Tekna, Nissan is now introducing the all-new N-Design and welcomes the customer-favourite N-Sport into the grade line-up.

Across the range, Micra exhibits refined design elements and exquisite attention to detail. Customers can opt for two different colour customisation finishers from the front to the rear and upgrade to LED headlamps giving their Micra a more elegant and athletic appearance.

New 16-inch 2-tone wheels called “Genki” come as standard on both N-Design and Tekna grades. Reflecting its meaning in Japanese culture, the Genki alloy wheels’ stylish appearance exudes a sense of energy, completing the Micra’s fresh dynamic design.

“With the refreshed line-up for 2021, we have refined what we know people love about Micra. We’ve made it easier for customers to match themselves to the ideal grade and to then add their own unique flair through customisation options on top,” said Ekaterina Apushkina, General Manager Marketing City Cars, Nissan Europe. “By building on its success, and listening to our customers, we’ve arrived at a place where Micra is stronger than ever.”

N-Sport: for a premium and sporty look

Joining the Micra grade line-up permanently, the stunning new N-Sport is designed from the wheels-up to turn heads. On the exterior, the gloss black front, rear and side finishers and new black mirror caps perfectly complement 17-inch black Perso alloy wheels. On the N-Sport, the Micra’s fog lamps and headlamps come in full LED as standard.

The N-Sport’s refined aesthetic is carried through to the interior, putting driver and passenger comfort at the very heart of the design. The seats with Alcantara® inserts and corresponding dashboard give a high-quality finish. The seats are ergonomically designed to provide superior support and reduce driver fatigue for those longer journeys.

N-Design: for accessible customisation

The N-Design addresses customers’ desires to express their own unique character and style. On the exterior, customers can choose to personalise the rear, front and side finishers and mirror caps in either Gloss Black or Chrome. This customisation comes as standard for the grade, as does the attractive new 16-inch 2-tone Genki wheels.

Inside, the N-Design features modern black cloth seats with grey accents and a leather-look front panel, kneepads and door trimming. Customers can also choose the bold and exciting Energy Orange interior, and purchase a variety of accompanying accessories in the same dynamic colour for truly detail-oriented customisation.

Tekna: for advanced driving technology

The Tekna is packed with advanced driving and in-car entertainment technology features, championing Nissan Intelligent Mobility – Nissan’s vision for a more exciting and connected future through technological innovation.

Nissan’s popular Intelligent Around View Monitor camera system, helping drivers negotiate difficult parking scenarios safely and easily, is available with moving object detection and Blind Spot Warning; exclusively to the Tekna grade and comes installed as standard.

For audiophiles, the Tekna also comes with Bose Personal audio, offering immersive, high-quality sound for the driver.

The NissanConnect infotainment system with TomTom navigation is available as an option on all grades starting from Acenta.

Apple CarPlay with Siri voice recognition and Android Auto with Google Assistant are available from Acenta with a host of additional in-car entertainment features.

Enhanced Euro 6d dynamic and efficient engine

The Micra’s enhanced 1.0-litre turbocharged engine offers both a dynamic and efficient driving experience. The unit is compliant with the Euro 6d emissions standard, yielding improved fuel-efficiency and reduced emissions. Enhanced torque delivery curve offers greater driving performance with fewer gear changes, perfect for navigating cities and enabling a smoother, more responsive and more enjoyable drive.

Advanced safety technology

From Visia grade upwards, Micra is equipped with essential safety technologies, including; Hill Start Assistance; Intelligent Ride Control; and Intelligent Trace Control for improved handling in difficult conditions.

Further advanced technologies are offered in a Safety Pack. This comes as standard on select grades*, and includes; High Beam Assist; Intelligent Lane Intervention; Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition.

Designed to high specification for the European market, the Nissan Micra is a testament to manufacturing and sales success. Since its launch in 2017, more than 230,000 Micra have been sold across 34 European countries.

The model is the first Nissan vehicle to be built in a Renault plant highlighting the synergies across the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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