Nissan micra

In 1976, the famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro presented to the management of Nissan his proposals on a compact car for the European market. At this time, the company had already worked on a similar project, but the sketches shown by Giugiaro had an original and stylish design and were appreciated ^[3] . Based on them and using their own developments under the leadership of Naganori Ito ( eng. Naganori Ito ), a prototype of the future car was created, shown at the 1981 Tokyo Auto Show under the code NX-018 ^[4] . To select the real name of the new model, a contest was announced ^[5] , for which almost 6 million proposals came. After viewing all the options, it was decided to give the car a name March ( Jap. マ ー チ , from English - “March”) ^[6] and in October 1982, Nissan March went on sale in Japan ^{[7] [8]} .

At the end of 1982, Nissan introduced a replacement for its “long-playing” model, . Originally produced only with a three-door body, the March car, namely, under this name, the model known in Japan, seemed to be an ordinary compact hatchback . But under the simple appearance was hiding something special. The heart of the car was an advanced liter four-cylinder, all-aluminum, overhead camshaft engine (MA10). Despite its modest power of 55 hp the light and energetic motor became a revelation for the owners of small cars, who were on a diet of old primitive cast iron engines ^[19] .

Car sales in Europe began in 1983, where he received the name Micra. Three years later, a slightly modified model appeared, which is easily distinguished by large rear lights. And in 1989, the five-door version was introduced. Both cars, three and five-door, had a new grille, headlights, large bumpers and many other changes. By order of the model, it was possible to install a new 1.2-liter engine (MA12S), which, thanks to the electronic carburetor electronic control system adapted for it, developed a power of 60 hp. For Europe, this was enough.

But not for the Japanese model, whose history has evolved according to a different scenario. In 1985, the March Turbo, equipped with a turbocharged liter engine (MA10ET), developed and developed 85 hp. ^[13] And in 1989, Nissan introduced the March Superturbo, the cult status of which was supported by a limited party of 10,000 pieces. The car was equipped with a 930-cc engine (MA09ERT) ^[15] with turbocharging and a mechanical supercharger operating in series. The motor gave a healthy 110 hp, accelerating the March Superturbo to 100 km / h in 7.7 seconds, and the maximum speed reached 180 km / h.

Available with either a three-speed automatic or a five - speed manual gearbox, equipped with a differential with a viscous clutch and, depending on the version, such comfort elements as air conditioning and power windows, Supreturbo and March R, the road version of a racing car, were the first in a whole series even more unusual versions, all of which were officially sold only in Japan.

Such as the model with soft rounded shapes, presented in 1985 at the Tokyo Auto Show , or the utilitarian type Pao ( Jap. パ オ ), first shown in 1987 ^[20] . A small van ^[21] similar to a garden snail was also created on the March base.

In Europe, the most famous representative of this line was the Figaro model ( Jap. フ ィ ガ ロ ) with a canvas roof ^[22] , first introduced in 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale two years later. A total of 20 thousand of these retro cars were released, and they were so popular that they played out the lottery: the winning ticket number was the serial number in the car purchase queue ^[19] .

And Micra almost did not break. In 2006, Auto Express magazine conducted a study that showed that almost 30% of the models sold in 1983-1992 in the UK are still on the move. This is a terrific number for a car that has not been produced for 14 years already ^[19] .

A total of about 1.65 million first-generation March / Micra cars ^[23] were manufactured, of which 888,000 were sold in Europe ^[8] .

After ten successful years, the time has come for the next generation car. Production of the new model, immediately available in three and five-door versions, started in Japan at the beginning of 1992, but in Europe the car appeared only at the end of the year.

If the model of the first generation had a conservative appearance, the new car was a big mod: its friendly rounded shapes quickly made it popular among young people ^[32] .

Technically, the car has also changed a lot. He received a pair of newly designed high-performance sixteen valve engines with two overhead camshafts with a displacement of 1.0 (CG10DE) and 1.3 (CG13DE) liters. Both engines were equipped with a fuel injection system and developed 55 and 75 hp. respectively.

The model has also grown in terms of equipment. Much of the standard equipment installed on it or on request was usual for cars of a higher class, but it was rarely used on small city cars. So, standard for the model were the power bars in the door, seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. When both the anti-lock brakes , airbags, and comfort elements such as power windows, central locking and climate control, became gradually available throughout the production period ^[32] .

At the same time, the car only “two-handed” passed European crash tests ^{[33] [34]}

However, a group of influential automotive journalists loved this model so much that it voted to award the European car title to 1993 ^[35] . The Micra was the first Japanese car to win this important award. The term “Japanese brand” is used here because this model was not a traditional car exported from Japan; it was also produced in Europe.

Nissan began manufacturing cars in Europe in 1984 at a new plant in northern England: . The quality and productivity of the plant in Sunderland was so high that in 1992 it was decided to add a second assembly line for the new generation Micra model ^[32] .

A little later, Japanese journalists awarded March models with a similar award ^[36] .

The car developed in the usual way: small changes in appearance appeared in 1996, when, as a more significant upgrade, it was carried out two years later - in 1998. In general, the car body remains the same, and its appearance has been changed thanks to a pretty alteration of the front and rear parts. And again, the main changes were under the hood, where the 1.5-liter Peugeot turbodiesel (TUD5) appeared ^[37] .

Various variations of the car continued to appear in Japan. There was independently produced a version with a station wagon , called the Box ^[38] , as well as many models in retro style: Tango ( jap. タ ン ゴ ) ^[39] , Bolero ( jap. レ ロ ) ^[40] , Rumba ( jap. ル ン バ ) ^{[41 ]} , Polka ( Jap. ポ ル カ ) ^{[42] [43]} . In addition, a convertible ^[44] and all-wheel drive version ^[25] were produced, and many tuning companies used the model as the basis for an incredible number of cars made in a variety of styles.

The non-declining popularity of the model, and it remained in production for a full ten years, caused the emergence of the latest changes that were undertaken in 2000. The 1.3-liter engine was replaced by a more powerful 85-hp 1.4-liter (CGA3DE), the liter engine remained, but its power was increased to 60 hp.

In total, about 2.54 million March / Micra cars of the second generation were produced ^[23] , of which 1.3 million were sold in Europe ^[8] .

The difficult financial situation of the company Nissan did not allow to allocate resources for the development of a new model until a strategic alliance with Renault ^{[32] was established} .

The fact that the alliance with Renault gave Nissan company confidence became clear when the next-generation Micra was shown. His radically rounded style, bulging headlights and equipment like large cars impressed journalists and buyers. Created on a platform with a 70-mm-longer wheelbase , developed jointly by Renault, the new car set the standard for all supermini following it ^[57] .

A distinctive feature of its layout was the salon pushed forward, which, together with a relatively tall and wide body, formed a large interior space ^[58] .

At the very beginning of production, the car was equipped with four engines: a liter (CR10DE), which was rarely ordered, a 1.2-liter (CR12DE) with an output of 80 hp. and 88-horsepower 1.4-liter (CR14DE) gasoline engines , as well as a 1.5-liter turbodiesel (K9K) borrowed from Renault ^[59] .

The list of standard and custom-made equipment of the model was such that it was rarely possible to meet on ordinary city cars. For example, a rain sensor or a moving rear seat, which allows you to choose between increased space for the rear passengers or more space for luggage. Micra was one of the first cars in Europe that did not need the usual key. The electronic key could simply be kept in a pocket or purse, the car would be unlocked and locked by pressing a button on the door, and opened by turning the handle. From practical devices, you can mark a lot of storage space, including a neat compartment under the front passenger seat. And from the smart ones, the on-board computer, which, for example, could wish the driver a happy birthday ^[57]

In 2005, the car received a slight change. So, the bumper was strengthened in order to cope with the contact bumper in the bumper parking often practiced by Parisian drivers. The interior has been updated interior and installed new with better lateral support seats ^[60] .

But, as usual, the main thing could be found under the hood. Excellent driving characteristics of the car could be better implemented in the new model 160 SR, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine (HR16DE) with 110 hp. and a tuned sports suspension ^[55] .

March sports versions also appeared in Japan, first the 12SR model with a forced 1.2-liter engine ^[61] , and later the 15SR-A model with a 1.5-liter engine (HR15DE) ^[62] .

In addition, Japan continued to produce semi-antique crafts based on March: Rafeet ( Jap. ラ フ ィ ー ト ) ^{[63] [64] [65]} , Bolero ( Jap. ボ レ ロ ) ^{[66] [67] [68] [69]} , and also the original all-wheel drive version with an electric drive rear axle ^{[47] [70]} . And in Europe, the car was presented with a third, in addition to the three and five-door hatchback, body type: coupe-convertible Micra C + C (coupé + convertible). A convertible coupe into a convertible was developed at the newly created in Europe Nissan Design Europe (NDE) studio ^{[57] in} cooperation with , a renowned European manufacturer of convertibles ^[71] .

From 2003 ^[72] to 2010 ^[73] , the car was sold in Russia. Domestic journalists appreciated the beautiful and comfortable, well-organized salon with comfortable seating with plenty of storage space. The “live” engine (1.4) with a well-tuned automatic transmission quickly accelerated the car, and its excellent driving properties made it easy to maneuver in the stream. Many didn’t like the too hard, shaking suspension and everyone was unhappy with the settings of the power steering, which created not a real, artificial sensation on the steering wheel ^[74] .

When buying a used Micra car, you should pay attention to the often broken power steering. It is replaced with the steering column, which significantly increases the cost of repairs. Many parts of the suspension are short-lived, although their unification with the same Renault units makes them inexpensive and easily accessible. Rapidly corrosive exhaust system is a typical problem of this model, although the body itself is fairly well protected from rust. And yet, the car quickly loses the look of the interior. In general, the Micra is considered quite reliable car with low operating costs ^[75]

The plant in Sunderland said goodbye to the Micra on July 16, 2010, almost 18 years after the first car rolled off the assembly line. It produced about 1.4 million second-generation models (K11) and almost a million, including 31 thousand Micra C + C - the third generation (K12). From 1992 to 2010, a total of 2,368,704 Micra vehicles were manufactured in England ^[57] . And in general, about 1.63 million third-generation March / Micra cars were produced ^[23] , of which 822 thousand were sold in Europe ^[8] .

Пережив три поколения и 30 лет производства, Micra продолжал оставаться стандартом для всех других городских автомобилей. Созданная на новой корпоративной платформе модель четвёртого поколения сочетала резвость и мощность с высокой топливной экономичностью и малым уровнем выбросов.

Этому во многом способствовала пара новых трёхцилиндровых бензиновых двигателей рабочим объёмом 1,2 литра. Начального уровня атмосферный мотор (HR12DE) развивал 80 л.с. ^[98] Его более мощный собрат (HR12DDR) с непосредственным впрыском топлива и отключаемым механическим нагнетателем выдавал 98 л.с. при исключительно малом расходе топлива ^[99] . Наддувный двигатель был столь эффективным, что потребность в дизельном моторе для европейских покупателей отпала.

Когда как большинство из его конкурентов значительно выросли, Micra остался небольшим городским автомобилем практически тех же размеров. Он сохранил так любимые всеми округлые формы, но в новом, более современном исполнении. Хорошо видимые в профиль мягкие арки окон подчёркивались более крупным задним спойлером. Оригинальная выштамповка на крыше в форме бумеранга повышала её жёсткость, одновременно снижая сопротивление воздуха. Выпускалась только пятидверная версия, трёхдверок не стало.

Новый Micra имел богатое оснащение, включающее несколько инновационных систем, облегчающих вождение в городе. Так, навигационная система , используя точные карты, проводила вас, поворот за поворотом по всем городским закоулкам. Запоминая положение и скорость автомобиля, система не теряла ориентации в туннелях и на подземных стоянках. А простая в использовании система контроля парковочного пространства, с помощью датчиков следила за положением автомобиля и подсказывала водителю в какую сторону крутить руль при парковке ^[100] .

В Японию поставлялись автомобили, изготовленные в Таиланде ^[85] , а в Европу, на Ближний Восток и в Африку собранные на новом, специально для этого построенном в Индии заводе ^[86] . Здесь же, только для индийского рынка, собирался клон Micra автомобиль Renault Pulse ^[101] . Оба автомобиля, помимо атмосферного 1,2-литрового мотора, оснащались дизельным двигателем (K9K) ^[102] .

Как и прежде, в Японии предлагалась полноприводная версия March с электрическим приводом задней оси, а также спортивная модель March Nismo с улучшенной аэродинамикой, настроенным шасси, усиленным кузовом и полуторалитровым двигателем (HR15DE) мощностью 116 л.с. ^[103] и выполненный под старину автомобиль March Bolero ^[104] .

Собираемые в Южной Америке автомобили March оснащались другой гаммой двигателей, основным из которых был 1,6-литровый мотор (HR16DE) мощностью 106 л.с. ^[105] Помимо него, в Бразилии, на модель устанавливали литровый двигатель Renault (D4D) мощностью 70 л.с. ^[93] Оба двигателя могли работать как на бензине, так и на очень распространённом в этом регионе этаноле .

In 2013, the model underwent a planned upgrade. The car received a new front, designed in the overall corporate style of other Nissan models, new taillights with LED lamps , an updated salon with a completely new console and, in Europe, the newest telecommunications system , performing communication, navigation and entertainment functions ^{[106] [107]} . In Brazil, the old one-liter engine was replaced by a modern engine (HR10DE) of the same working volume ^[108] .

The car confidently passed safety tests in Japan ^[109] , Europe ^[110] and Australia ^[111] . But the made in South America, the latest in March 2018, failed: a low structural rigidity of its body was noted ^[112] .

The fifth-generation new Micra has become completely different. Designed primarily for Europe, the car immediately attracts the attention of the characteristic lines of the body. Such as, expressive grille, boomerang-shaped headlights, sharp sidewall lines and a “floating” roof, as well as rear door handles hidden in body pillars. The new hatchback has become lower, wider and longer, it is equipped with more compact turbo engines, a dynamic chassis and a multitude of innovative security systems ^[116] .

The model is offered with a 0.9-liter gasoline three-cylinder turbocharged engine (HR09DET) ^[117] and a time-tested 1.5-liter turbodiesel (K9K) ^[118] , both engines develop 90 hp each. In addition, you can order a liter atmospheric gasoline engine (BR10DE) with a capacity of 70 hp. ^[119]

Increasing the width of the body and the wheelbase allowed us to create one of the most spacious salons in its class. Additional details and elements for individual design of the car, both inside and outside, allow you to create 125 different options, giving the owner of the new Micra the opportunity to assemble the car to your taste.

As before, the model is equipped with functions traditionally presented only in premium-segment vehicles, such as the all-round viewing system and the active lane control system . In addition, for the first time for the European Nissan model, an intelligent emergency braking system with a pedestrian recognition function, as well as a and ^[116] , is proposed.

For lovers of something special, there is a special version of the Micra BOSE Personal Edition, equipped with a BOSE audio system with built-in speakers in the driver's headrest. Combined with a proprietary signal processing system, it creates a stunning surround sound effect. The parameters of the audio system can be configured individually, allowing the driver to get real pleasure from the music ^[120] .

In addition to European countries, the new Micra is sold in Morocco ^[121] and South Africa ^[122] , it is expected that this model will soon appear in Australia ^[123] . According to some Japanese sources ^{[124] [125], the} appearance of the new March should occur in the late summer of 2019. The delay in entering the market is presumably caused by problems with the hybrid version of the car ^[126] . In India, according to rumors, another car will be produced that looks similar to the European model, but with a simplified, cheaper chassis and less electronics ^[127] .

Nissan Documents

1. Nissan Micra Heritage Timeline (eng.) . - 2017. - No. 426169773 . - P. 1.
2. Nissan Fact File 2001-2002 (English) . - Japan: Nissan, 2002. - P. 18. Archived on August 28, 2008.
3. e-4WD System (English) . - Japan: NISSAN MOTOR CO .. - P. 1. Archived March 29, 2017.

Catalogs

1. Nissan я ー チ (jap.) . - Japan: Nissan, 1984. - 第 3091AKK 数 . - P. 36.
2. Nissan March (jap.) . - Japan: Nissan, 1987. - 第 6091AGG 数 . - P. 15.
3. All New March (jap.) . - Japan: Nissan, 1990. - 第 C1142-9011AMT 数 . - P. 15.
4. Figaro (jap.) . - Japan: Nissan, 1991. - p. 7.
5. March (jap.) . - Japan: Nissan, 1992. - p. 35.
6. Cabriolet March (Jap.) . - Japan: Nissan, 1997. - P. 11.
7. March Polka (jap.) . - AUTECH, 2001. - 第 AJ-MA7-0110N5 数 . - P. 3. Archived August 20, 2018.
8. Rafeet (jap.) . - AUTECH, 2002. - 第 AJ-MA9-0209N1 数 . - P. 4. Archived August 30, 2018.
9. March Bolero (Jap.) . - AUTECH, 2005. - P. 8. Archived August 30, 2018.
10. Bolero / Rafeet (Japanese) . - AUTECH, 2007. - P. 2. Archived August 30, 2018.
11. Nissan Micra (Rus.) . - NISSAN MOTOR UKRAINE. — № K13 B NS 140331 . — P. 12. Архивировано 31 июля 2018 года.
12. March Nismo (яп.) . — Japan: Autech. — P. 8. Архивировано 20 сентября 2018 года.
13. Новая Nissan Micra (рус.) . — Франция: Nissan Europe, 2017. — P. 23. Архивировано 31 июля 2018 года.
14. March (исп.) . — Mexico, 2018. — P. 13. Архивировано 21 сентября 2018 года.
15. Nissan New Micra (англ.) . — England: Nissan UK, 2017. — No. 99999-99569 . — P. 41. Архивировано 1 октября 2018 года.

Specifications

1. Nissan Micra (нид.) . — Nissan Motor Nederland, 1998. — Nr. 018901 . — P. 6. Архивировано 31 июля 2018 года.
2. MICRA Specs (англ.) . — Nissan Europe, 26 Oct 2009. — No. 14786 . — P. 4.
3. マーチ主要諸元 (Основные характеристики March) (яп.) . — P. 2. Архивировано 18 сентября 2018 года.
4. Nissan Micra (рус.) . — 2016. — № EE-01C-0681 . — P. 8. Архивировано 31 июля 2018 года.
5. H4Bt – TCe 90 0.9 Turbo MPI - Gasoline Euro5 (англ.) . — Renault Powertrain. — P. 4. Архивировано 27 сентября 2018 года.
6. K9K – dCi 75, dCi 90, dCi 110 1.5 Turbo - Diesel Euro5 & Euro6 (англ.) . — Renault Powertrain. — P. 4. Архивировано 28 сентября 2018 года.
7. NOVA MICRA (хорв.) . — Nissan Croatia, 2017. — P. 3. Архивировано 1 октября 2018 года.

Руководства по эксплуатации

1. MARCH MANUAL DO PROPRIETÁRIO (порт.) . — Brasil, 2013. — Num. MP1P-B02AB13 . — P. 233. Архивировано 21 сентября 2018 года.
2. MARCH MANUAL DO PROPRIETÁRIO (порт.) . — Brasil, 2018. — Num. MP1P-B02AB28 . — P. 310. Архивировано 21 сентября 2018 года.

Руководство по ремонту

1. Colin Brown. Micra Owners Workshop Manual. — Somerset England: Haynes Publishing Group, 1983. — Vol. H907030. — 312 p. — ISBN 1 85010 909 5 .

Articles

1. Nissan Micra. Примеряем на себя (рус.) // Авторевю : Газета. — Москва, 2003. — № 10 (289) . — С. 60—63 .
2. Анатолий Калицев, Максим Кадаков. Иномарки в России: итоги 2003 года (рус.) // Авторевю : Газета. — Москва, 2004. — № 2 (304) . — С. 12—14 . Архивировано 28 ноября 2005 года.
3. Анатолий Калицев. Иномарки в России: итоги 2004 года (рус.) // Авторевю : Газета. — Москва, 2005. — № 2 (327) . — С. 14—16 . Архивировано 9 октября 2006 года.
4. Анатолий Калицев. Почти полтора миллиона (рус.) // Авторевю : Газета. — Москва, 2006. — № 2 (350) . — С. 8—10 . Архивировано 22 августа 2006 года.
5. Владимир Палкин. Бум. Просто бум (рус.) // Авторевю : Газета. — Москва, 2007. — № 3 (374) . — С. 14—16 . Архивировано 18 мая 2007 года.
6. Игорь Владимирский. Авторынок России: вперёд и вверх, а там… (рус.) // Авторевю : Газета. — Москва, 2008. — № 3 (397) . — С. 14—16 . Архивировано 29 декабря 2008 года.
7. Игорь Владимирский. Авторынок России: инерция (рус.) // Авторевю : газета. — Москва, 2009. — № 3 (420) . — С. 12—16 . Архивировано 7 декабря 2009 года.
8. Игорь Владимирский. Отрезвление (рус.) // Авторевю : газета. — Москва, 2010. — № 3 (443) . — С. 12—17 . Архивировано 11 февраля 2010 года.
9. Игорь Владимирский. Реабилитация (рус.) // Авторевю : газета. — Москва, 2011. — № 3 (466) . — С. 12—17 . Архивировано 7 сентября 2015 года.