Nissan Micra X-shift Driven

It’s been five years since the Micra came to India and Nissan has decided it’s time to make some noise about it. To that end, the automatic transmission that was available in only the top-end Micra XV, now makes its way down to the mid-spec XL as well. Now also on offer is the Nissan Micra X-Shift (Driven) limited edition of which 750 units will be built. If, at this point, you’re wondering what that entails, know that there aren’t any earth shattering differences. You get a blacked out roof, some racy decals running along the side of the car,  chrome tipped exhaust end cans and a snazzy looking X-Shift sticker. Of course, the X-Shift limited edition gets all the top-spec XV’s load of goodies like climate control, keyless entry, push button start stop, fog lamps, alloy wheels and a rear windshield wash and wipe with defogger. Additionally, Nissan have done away with the original Micra steering wheel and upgraded to the wheel from the Nissan Sunny and this means that in addition to the slightly better aesthetics that the wheel has to offer, you also get steering mounted audio controls. LED lit scuff plates which have become the fad as far as small cars go are also in attendance.

Now although there don’t seem to be any significant updates to the Micra mechanically, Nissan insist that they’ve been working long and hard on improving the Micra’s  continuously variable transmission or X-tronic CVT as Nissan like to call it, so are there any real differences?

Behind the wheel there isn’t really much to report. The engine – even though it has quite a nice punch to it when you push it – can get a little rough around the edges when put it through the paces and it has a weak bottom end.  The X-tronic CVT does feel slightly improved, and the rubber band effect that is usually prevalent in the CVTs is less obvious. Most importantly though – Nissan claims 19kmpl from the automatic and that’s not bad considering the manual is less fuel efficient.

On the move, the X-Shift gets the Micra’s balance and ride quality and that means an easy to drive car that’s reasonably comfortable as well.

The XL auto is available for Rs 6.4 lakh and the decked up, limited edition X-Shift gets  those exterior embellishments at no  extra cost.