Nissan has divulged some information on the engine line-up of its new Micra and its trim options, ahead of the car going on Sale in South Africa next week.
The most affordable models will make use of a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It might be less powerful than today's 65kW 1.4, the 1.2 developing 56kW at 6000rpm and 104Nm at 4000rpm, but the kerb weight is a mere 195kg and there's also an obvious economy benefit - with a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 5.2 l/100km equating to CO2 emissions of just 124g/km.
Quite a sophisticated little three-pot, the motor incorporates valve timing control, exhaust gas recirculation and high tumble pistons to complement the high compression ratio.
Unfortunately, South Africa won't be getting the even more advanced supercharged version of this engine, but those with a hunger for more than 56kW will have the option of a 1.5-litre petrol engine or the existing 1.5 dCi turbodiesel.
Nissan hasn't disclosed any figures on the 1.5 petrol, but it's unlikely to be very different to the Australian version, which is good for 75kW at 6000rpm and 136Nm at 4000rpm, with combined consumption of 6.5 l/100km.
According to Nissan's local website, four different trim levels are offered (depending on engine) with the entry-level Visia rather sparse with nothing big to boast about besides dual airbags.
The Visia+ should be a more popular choice, adding air conditioning and electric windows, while the Acenta adds a trip computer among other kit and the flagship Tekna brings automatic climate control and a premium sound system, with Bluetooth, into to the equation.