Nissan is expanding its Micra line-up for 2019

A better selection of powertrains and another trim grade should help to improve the competitiveness of Nissan’s Micra supermini.

One key engine change sees the 0.9 litre IG-T 90 being replaced by the 1.0 litre IG-T 100. This new arrival is still a three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit that’s mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. However, the larger capacity has raised output from 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) to 98 bhp (74 kW / 100 PS), plus peak torque is up by 10 Nm (7 lb/ft) to 160 Nm (118 lb/ft).

Nissan Micra N-Sport (2019) Front Side

With the IG-T 100, a Micra can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a reasonable 10.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 114 mph (183 km/h). WLTP combined fuel economy is rated at 50.4 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are between 103 and 105 g/km.

Just as importantly, an Xtronic continuously-variable transmission can be specified for the IG-T 100. Efficiency figures of 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and 111 to 115 g/km are slightly worse, but at least Nissan has finally realised that small cars need an automatic gearbox option nowadays.

Nissan Micra N-Sport (2019) Dashboard

If customers want some extra performance, then the introduction of the 1.0 litre DIG-T 117 might be of interest. Developed in collaboration with Daimler, it’s a three-cylinder petrol engine which benefits from a turbocharger, an electronically-controlled waste gate, variable valve timing and a six-speed manual transmission.

The result is 115 bhp (86 kW / 117 PS) and 180 Nm (132 lb/ft) of torque (or 200 Nm (147 lb/ft) on overboost). A 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 9.9 seconds and a 121 mph (195 km/h) top speed are respectable enough, especially as the WLTP combined cycle numbers are 47.9 mpg (5.9 l/100km) and 114 g/km.

Nissan Micra N-Sport (2019) Rear Side

Every Micra equipped with the DIG-T 117 is also going to gain various other upgrades. They include a set of 17” alloy wheels, quicker steering and a recalibrated suspension set-up.

Both the IG-T 100 and DIG-T 117 are available in N-Sport guise. Front fog lights, rear privacy glass, gloss black elements and a ‘carbon-style’ finish for the wheels and door mirror caps give this additional variant a more purposeful appearance (in a subtle way).

Nissan Micra N-Sport (2019) Side

Inside, the N-Sport features faux leather and Alcantara upholstery, a black headlining, a front-seat armrest and white air vent surrounds. A rear-view camera, parking sensors and keyless entry are standard, too.

Incidentally, Nissan will continue to offer the normally-aspirated 1.0 litre petrol and the turbocharged 1.5 litre diesel engines as well.

Related post:
A third engine option for the Nissan Micra

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