Next-Generation Nissan Micra hatchback to get 1 liter petrol engine

On multiple occasions in the past, Japanese automaker Nissan has articulated that the next-generation Micra will be available in two distinct flavours, one for the developed car markets for the world and the other for the developing markets such as India and Brazil. In India, the Micra is expected to continue using the V-Platform, following the billions of dollars that Nissan has deployed for the development of this highly successful car platform.

The developed world is expected to receive the new Micra, also known as the March in many countries, on the common module family (CMF) architecture. A new development centering around the next-generation Micra for developing markets reveals that the hatchback will use a 1 liter-3 cylinder petrol engine. This triple cylinder motor has been developed with the two main objectives of minimizing fuel consumption and tail pipe emissions.

Producing 76 Bhp of peak power and 98 Nm of peak torque, the new engine that uses an aluminium block is nearly 200cc smaller than the HR12DE petrol motor that it replaces. However, power and torque figure are not significantly lower. In comparison, the HR12DE motor that the Micra currently uses makes 75 Bhp-104 Nm. This engine is also available in a detuned 67 Bhp-104 Nm state.

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Triple cylinder petrol engines have been synonymous with the Nissan Micra, with both naturally aspirated and supercharged variants offered on the current generation model. By staying with the triple cylinder engine layout, Nissan is betting big on the inherent fuel efficiency that this design provides for. A turbocharged or supercharged version of the 1 liter petrol motor is likely to suit specific markets of the world.

The car world is adopting the triple cylinder engine design in a big way, and this includes luxury and sports car makers. Forced induction and balancer shafts have meant that triple cylinder engines are now being served up as powerful yet frugal alternatives to larger, four cylinder units. For instance, the BMW i8 hybrid sportscar combines a turbocharged 1.5 liter, 3 cylinder petrol engine with a electric motor juiced by lithium ion batteries to deliver stunning performance.

Via NissanNews