And it’s worth the customers wait – especially those who ask for the diesel variant as soon as the petrol version is launched. Thankfully, Nissan didn’t keep its customers waiting too long. Within six months of the petrol variant launch in the Indian small car market, Nissan introduced the diesel variant. At first glance, you will hardly see any difference between the petrol and diesel Micras. But, the diesel variant comes with 15-inch alloy wheels and rear spoilers, which are missing in the petrol variant. Inside, it gets leather wrapped gear-knob and steering wheel with a chrome logo on it. Otherwise, everything else remains the same.
Driving Experience
But such minor deterrents can be quickly forgotten once you experience the drive in this little monster. Simply push the Ignition button and the car comes to life not with a roar, but with a whisper. Yes, you can barely hear the engine inside the cabin. Although there’s a fair amount of turbo lag as you start moving, things change in seconds and the Micra flies like a champ. You’ll be amazed at the lightness of the power-steering at just 9.3 metres turning radius, which makes city-driving fun.
Under the curvy bonnet is the 1.5-litre CRDI K9K Diesel Engine that delivers 63bhp at 4000rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 2000rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The gearshifts are moderately smooth but the clutch is tougher compared to the petrol Micra. The third gear, however, offers a wide enough power band which translates into less gearshifts in city traffic.