New Nissan Micra N-Sport Arrives As The Warm Hatch Of The Range

Nissan has announced a few new members to the Micra lineup, including the new range-topping N-Sport grade, two new engines, and the option of the automatic XTronic CVT.

Starting with the all-new 1.0-liter IG-T 100 engine, it replaces the outgoing 0.9-liter 90 PS unit in the range, producing 97hp (100PS) and 118lb-ft (160Nm) of torque. This makes the new engine 10PS and 10Nm more powerful than the old one, while Nissan also claims lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy.

As standard, the new Micra IG-T 100 will come with a five-speed manual gearbox but Nissan will also offer the automatic XTronic CVT as an exclusive option for this engine.

As for the new Micra N-Sport, Nissan says it’s the sportiest member of the range yet, featuring a revised chassis and also debuting a completely new engine. Under the bonnet you’ll find a turbocharged 1.0-liter DIG-T three-cylinder unit with 115hp (117PS) and 132lb-ft (180Nm) of torque, linked to a “performance-oriented” six-speed manual transmission.

According to Nissan, the 1.0-liter DIG-T is not a retuned, more powerful version of the IG-T engine but a completely different unit that’s been developed in conjunction with Daimler alongside the 1.3-liter turbo-four powertrains that recently debuted in the Qashqai.

According to Nissan, the new 115hp DIG-T engine offers “noticeably more acceleration” when compared to the 97hp IG-T unit throughout the rev range. Peak torque is delivered from just 1,750rpm (versus 118lb-ft at 2,750rpm for the 97hp model). The result is a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 9.9 seconds for the Micra with the DIG-T engine, a full second quicker than the version with the 97hp unit (10.9 seconds).

Sport models will also feature a lower by 10mm ride height, along with revised suspension tuning and a quicker steering rack to make the Micra more agile and fun to drive.

The exterior of the new Micra N-Sport features gloss black touches on the side mouldings and door mirror caps, a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and a new chrome-finished exhaust tip. Inside, you’ll get Alcantara-leather seats, keyless entry, black headliner, white air vents and more.

Sales of the new Nissan Micra are expected to start in February, with the new N-Sport going against models like the Ford Fiesta ST-Line, VW Polo R-Line, Seat Ibiza FR-Line and more.