All this, from a company which was broke a decade ago and was (in)famously called “Datsun.”
We are talking of the long awaited Nissan Micra, of course!
The previous offerings from the Nissan stable, the Teana and the X-Trail were mere teasers. Here comes the complete 70mm film of Nissan’s action packed adventure in India. The first time a foreign automobile company has tried to do something, so drastically different on Indian soil, is worth a mention. Even if it fails, it will fail after it gets people talking.
The Cravings:
3 pot engine!
Why Nissan? Why?
With an iconic car like the GTR already making inroads into the country, and a glitzy 370Z launch, why didn’t you keep your performance oriented brand image alive?
As petrolheads, our minds always crave for a hot hatchback. Affordable, yet tuner friendly with enough factory built juice to pull it through Phase II of mods, it is in Nissan’s best interest that they do the same thing with the Micra, as VW has done with the Polo in India. A 3 cyl engine is fine, as long as you want 15+ FE in your car, but other than that, it does no good.
The above aspect is reminiscent of old times, Nissan. With a product so fresh, do not just give us a good packaging, please pack in some punch too!
Get us a performance engine! Nissan, are you ears?
So what is it like on the inside?
It is, well, umm, fresh!
Pretty simple colours here and there, some cubbyholes, a double glove compartment, and an orange backlit center console lifted straight out of a martian expedition. Comfortable 4 passenger seating and the bright grey-beige combo is a welcome. The Gizmo called the “Engine Start/Stop button” welcomes you to bring it to life.
The differentiating feel of this car rests in many a different offerings. Small and simple, yet incredibly convenient, these things add up to a lot. “Drops maketh an ocean…”, as they say!
Why should it work?
Other than those loopholes and advantages packed into one, Nissan’s Adventureland India is going to be pretty smooth sailing in my perspective. With a diesel around 6 months away, a lot is resting in Nissan’s kitty.
Just pray that Nissan comes up with a great service backup strategy with a great launch, else all will be in vain.
Idlis, no matter how tasty never go down well without steaming sambar and chatpatta chutney. Nissan, you have given us a refreshing plate of tender Idlis, we are still waiting for that sweet aroma of sambar on our table.
Yet to see a Micra on road.Did you TD one?
ReplyDeleteFrom the fact that Nissan managed to sell over around a 1000 micra's whithin 15 days with just a handful of dealers speaks volumes of the car.
What Nissan has done is cleverly able to maximise the car's uniques features like driver airbags on all variants,start stop button.I think it has successfully created a niche for this car.I hope it does not go punto way a great car with not so good service back up,a lazy marketing campaign and average build quality.
I TD'ed the Micra this week. It is high on one of my friends priority list.
ReplyDeleteThe first impression is, well, striking to say the least. Truly stated in GTO's review on TBHP, black is one color which does not suit this car. The looks of this car is made for quirky colors.
As for creating a niche for itself, I think, that will be a bit difficult. With the kind of service network Nissan presently has, sales will be a breeze in comparo with the A.S.S. I think its a classic case of wait and watch. :)