Looking to expand its green car offerings, Nissan unveiled an ultra-efficient version of its Micra small car at the Geneva Motor Show. Powered by a supercharged petrol engine, Nissan says the new Micra model is more efficient than its diesel competition.
Dubbed the Nissan Micra DIG-S – which stands for Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger – the compact hatchback employs a supercharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. Thanks to the use of the Miller cycle and direct injection, the engine runs at a compression ratio of 13:1, allowing for greater efficiency and added power. The Micra DIG-S produces 72 kW and 142 Nm of torque – which Nissan says is on par with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder — resulting in a top speed of 180 km/h. The Micra DIG-S is rated at 4.09 L/100km on the combined European cycle.
“Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan’s Vice President Product Strategy and Planning. “No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency… and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel.”
Following its Geneva show debut, the Nissan Micra DIG-S will hit the European market by mid-year.
