Nissan Plans to Push Segment for Next-Gen Micra

NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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and its luxury counterpart InfinitiInfinitiJapan, 1989 > present31 models
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believe that the way to grab a larger market share is to offer a stylish alternative to European stalwarts. If they cannot beat the GolfVolkswagen Volkswagen Golf Gen.7 [VII]Germany, 2012 > present363 versions
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and 3 SeriesBMW BMW 3 Series Gen.6 [F30/F31]Germany, 2012 > present115 versions
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head on, then they will create cars in the segment that look nothing like them.

This concept extends down even to the MicraNissan MicraJapan, 1982 > present5 series
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, and the next generation will have more segment defying styling than any previous Micra when in goes on sale around 2016. Part of the plan is to transition to a more angular shape to differentiate it from the previous rounded styling.

“The Micra will be a car designed for Europe, rather than for global sale, but with a concentration on achieving emerging market success,” said Nissan head of product development Andy Palmer.

“However, it won’t be a car that’s cute; that’s a very specific trend in Europe and not one that sells well globally. We see it as a car that can sit easily next to the Ford FiestaFord Fiesta Gen.6United States of America, 2008 > 2017204 versions
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or VW PoloVolkswagen Polo Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present247 versions
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.”

Around the same time, Nissan will also have the second generation Juke ready, and Nissan lead designer Shiro Nakamura is already sketching the car.

“The second-generation car is always the hardest — and even more so if the first-generation has created a sharp impression. The temptation is always to follow what’s gone before too much and fear making something too different,” he said.

Source: Autocar