The Nissan Micra is a small super-mini sized car that is a familiar site on the roads of Britain, and, in fact, throughout the world.
It is a popular car which has been in production for 32 years now, and is one of those cars that are bought by people from all walks of life, and isn’t just aimed at one specific demographic like so many cars are these days are.
Image by Kārlis Dambrāns (via Flickr).
Those of you that have a soft spot for this awesome little Japanese-designed car that are interested in learning more about its history should check out these 8 amazing Nissan Micra facts!
1. The Nissan Micra is known by other names
You might be familiar with the name ‘Nissan Micra’ here in the United Kingdom, but in Japan and parts of Asia it is known as the Nissan March, and when the model was first produced in the 1980s it was briefly known as the Datsun Micra.
2. The fastest production Nissan Micra was the “Super Turbo”
In 1989, Nissan created the March Super Turbo. This was a limited-edition model which was powered by a 108 brake horsepower, 0.9-litre 4-cylinder 8-valve engine which had a supercharger and a turbocharger (hence the name ‘Super Turbo’).
3. The Nissan Micra was used in Motorsports
The little hatchback has a long history of use in motorsport, with the first Micra making its motorsport debut back in 1987 with the March Super Turbo R. These days Micra enthusiasts around the world set up rallies and Micra ‘challenges’ on a regular basis.
4. The Nissan Micra is made in Britain
You might think that being a Japanese car, the Nissan Micra is made in Japan, but actually the ones sold in the United Kingdom are made in Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
5. The Nissan Micra is widely available
Being such a popular car, it’s available for purchase new or used from car dealers across the United Kingdom. Take a look at WLMG here to see just how popular this car is with dealers across the land!
6. The Nissan Figaro was based on the Micra
Have you ever seen those quirky, retro-looking Nissan Figaro cabriolet cars on the streets of Britain? If so, you might be surprised to learn that they are based on the original ‘K10’ Nissan Micra!
7. The Nissan Micra is one of the most-secure cars you can buy
According to What Car? magazine, the ‘K12’ Nissan Micra topped their security supertest back in 2003. And in 2005, the Micra also came out on top of a Thatcham ‘keyless go’ test; this is where the car is rendered inoperable after a short distance if the car’s engine is started other than with the key.
8. The Renault Pulse is based on the Nissan Micra
In India, the Renault Pulse is actually a re-badged Nissan Micra. Cosmetically it has a different front and rear end to the Micra, as well as a slightly different-shaped roof, but is otherwise to all intents and purposes a Micra.