New Nissan Micra Facelift: Official

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The Nissan Micra has been given a major overhaul to move it more upmarket and shake off the cheap tag. Launches in the UK September 2013.

We got a preview of the facelift for the 2013/2014 Nissan Micra back in March when the New Nissan March arrived in Thailand, but we now we get the official reveal on the Micra facelift for the UK and Europe. And it was needed.

Nissan’s decision to move production of the Micra from the UK to India and Thailand has led to a big drop in perceived quality resulting in poor sales in Europe and a big need for Nissan to up the quality and equipment offered by the Micra.

So the new Micra gets the usual facelift fodder of a new front and back with new grill, bonnet, bumper and headlights at the front and a new set of LEDs, trim and bumper at the back too.

Inside, Nissan has added a new centre console with a 5.8″ touchscreen with Google search and new trim that looks, and feels, more upmarket.

There is also plenty of new technology and options on offer – much of it at extra cost – with stuff like a panoramic roof, Park Assist and new alloys helping the new M icra seem a more upmarket option.

The Micra Visia kicks off the range with electric front windows, remote locking, CD, power steering and USB, with the Micra Acenta getting 15″ alloys, Fogs, Bluetooth and auto lights and wipers in the spec.

Move to the top spec Micra Tekna and you’ll get Climate, parking sensors, Park Assist, 16″ alloys, folding door mirrors, Keyless and SatNav and seats trimmed in what looks a bit like ’70s velour.

But the changes to the Micra are pretty much just cosmetic so the only engine on offer is the 1.2 litre petrol – with or without a supercharger – and with a five-speed manual ‘box or CVT.  It shouldn’t matter there’s still no diesel option – a small petrol is a much better bet – but in diesel-obsessed UK and Europe its still a negative for sales.

The new Nissan Micra goes on sale in September.