Showing posts with label Nissan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nissan. Show all posts

Saturday, December 27, 2025

The Nissan Versa Is Officially Dead for 2026

 

Nissan Versa SR

In a not-so-shocking turn of events, the Nissan Versa, the brand's smallest and most affordable vehicle, will not return for 2026. Most people in the industry saw this coming. 

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

These Two Small, Cheap Cars Are Selling Like Hotcakes, Despite Impending Discontinuation

Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage Sales Are Both Up in 2024

The Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa are the last two mainstream, affordable subcompact cars—heck, last inexpensive cars of any kind—left on the North American market. And guess what? They're recently selling pretty darn well. How well and for how long? 

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Driven: 2021 Nissan Kicks SR

 

2021 Nissan Kicks SR

I'd wanted to drive a Nissan Kicks since they first debuted in 2018, but never got around to getting one for a press loan until just last week. So does the Kicks kick out the fun? Does it kick butt? Does it have pumped up kicks? I'll stop. You're welcome. 

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Nissan Announces New 2020 Versa

2020 Nissan Versa

While some automakers are pulling out of the subcompact marketplace, Nissan has recently announced its all-new 2020 Versa sedan.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

2016 NW Overland Rally

Teal Terror, Dinoot trailer, CVT RTT: Our beloved Suzuki Sidekick, the Teal Terror along with our Dinoot trailer and CVT rooftop tent set-up.
Teal Terror, Dinoot trailer, CVT RTT: Our beloved Suzuki Sidekick, the Teal Terror along with our Dinoot trailer and CVT rooftop tent set-up. 
By Mercedes Lilienthal

The NW Overland Rally is quite possibly our most favorite event of the year. We’ve been to almost every one of them and as each rally comes and goes, we see dozens of familiar faces, friends, fellow off-road adventurers, and meet many new travelers. This event is akin to a yearly homecoming or gathering of like-minded folks: The adventurers at heart, the thrill-seekers, or “push-your-boundaries” type of people. We learn so much from these people every year, such as how to trouble-shoot an ailing engine, tie specific knots, and tips and tricks to living cheaply on the road. An extended weekend of classes, workshops, happy hours galore, trail runs, and a huge nightly raffle and prizes to give away around a bonfire! What is not to love?

Friday, April 1, 2016

Nissan Announces Nissan Micra Warrior Trophy

Nissan Micra Warrior Trophy Car

I love Canada. Gorgeous landscapes, friendly people, a 15 year automotive import rule, lots of small cars—and now this!

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Nissan Pao on eBay

1980 Nissan Pao for Sale on eBay

The Nissan Pao is one of those cool Japanese retro subcompacts from the lat 1980s/early 1990s, and now that they're more than 25 years old, they can be legally imported in to the U.S. I've always thought they were awesome. I've found a few of them for sale within the last year including this Nissan Pao I found on eBay.

Currently listed at a buy-it- now price of $6,999, this 1990 model shown above is located in Ontario, California and was brought in legally. In case you were wondering, the Pao is powered by a 1.0-liter 987cc four-cylinder engine, and this one happens to have the rare manual transmission. It has 80,250 miles on it and has aftermarket wheels. So cool! So much want! Be sure to check it out, complete with video at the link below.

SOURCE
eBay: 1990 Nissan Pao

Friday, September 4, 2015

What Compact Vehicle Would Make The Best Camper Van?


Ram Promaster City Campervan
Danbury Motor Caravans' Fiat Doblo (Ram Promaster City) Conversion.

By

Everyone knows the Volkswagen Bus/Transporter/Eurovan (with or without the iconic Westfalia pop-top conversions) are the most iconic of camper vans and compact travel vehicles. People have traveled the globe for decades in these compact vans: They're small enough to be maneuverable, big enough to sleep in. They're also unavailable new in the U.S.

North America hasn't had a proper VW Van (sorry, the Routan does not count) since 2003. Yes, we've had all sorts of other minivans from nearly every other automaker, but nothing as camper-worthy as the VW vans. (NOTE: The Ursa Minor Honda Element Ecamper would be the next best thing.) And much like the hard-to-find Eurovans (and previous Vanagons, etc.), they command quite a price, especially the rare 4WD Syncro Vanagons, which I've seen for sale here in Portland for nearly $70,000 when fully equipped. No, I did not add an extra zero.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Nostalgic Subcompact: Nissan S-Cargo

Nissan S-Cargo

By

Yes, there really was a Nissan called the S-Cargo. Yes, it looked like a snail. Yes, it is awesome in its own way.

Introduced in 1989, the S-Cargo was a small delivery vehicle with a 1.5-liter engine making 72 hp and mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The retro styling combined with the snail-like looks made the S-Cargo ( think "escargot," e.g. cooked snails) a fun little van.

The S-Cargo was made for commercial delivery duty and was produced at the Pike factory in Japan alongside other retro Nissans, such as the Be-1, Pao, and Figaro. All were right-hand drive and intended for the Japanese home market.

Nissan only produced the S-Cargo until 1992, and now that these vehicles are over 25 years old (at least the early models), they can be legally imported in the United States.

In the video below, you can see this one from all angles. Bonus points for the porthole window and replica Corvette Saw Blade wheels.


I think what I like most about the S-Cargo is the amount of personality and creativity that was jammed into this little runabout. From the snail detail on the mudflatps, to the "eye stalk" headlamps, this is just a fun little vehicle. FYI, there are some Canadian versions for sale for around $5,000–$6,000 USD.

I have not seen one in person, but I'd jump at the chance.

Nissan S-Cargo


Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Top 5 Coolest Subcompact Vehicles You Can Now Import Into the U.S. (And One Larger One)

By

You may be well aware of the United States' "25 year import rule" for cars/trucks. A car that was not actually imported into the U.S. for sale has to be at least 25 years old before it can be legally imported. That means that we can now bring in cars made in 1990 and older. Here are five of the coolest non-U.S.-market vehicles you can buy now:

1990 Suzuki Alto Works
1990 Suzuki Alto Works
For $7,500, you can own this turbocharged kei car. It's got 54,000 miles on it, cold A/C, and an automatic transmission. Located in Iowa of all places.
Source: Omaha Craigslist

1989 Nissan S-Cargo
1989 Nissan S-Cargo
These little things have always piqued my interest. This kei-sized delivery van is located in Vancouver, Canada and has 84,000 kilometers on the clock. It's powered by a three-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission (unfortunately). This little delivery car can be had for $6,000 CAD.
Source: Vancouver Craigslist 

1989 Nissan Pao
1989 Nissn Pao
The retro Nissan Pao has a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine mated to, yes, an automatic trans. This one has 52,000 miles on it and is going for $11,900. Other goodies include retractable roof, aftermarket steering wheels (more than one?), and a front strut tower bar. This puppy is located in Japan.
Source: RightDriveUSA

1985 Honda City Turbo II
1985 Honda City Turbo II
The Honda City Turbo II was the company's hot-hatch version of its more pedestrian City. Affedctionaly nicknamed the "bull dog," some City models even came with a stowable moped. No lie. This one does not, but it only has 65,000 kilometers on it. It doesn't get much more classic 1980s Japanese kei car than this. This one is for sale for $9,500 and is located in Richmond, VA. 
Source: Japanese Classics

1967 Mazda R360

1967 Mazda R360
How cool is this little thing? Believe it or not, this was Mazda's first four-wheeled passenger vehicle. It's got a four-stroke V-engine, two-tone pain, and awesome vintage style. Price? This little guy is $20,917—big bucks for a small car. Plus, it's still in Japan.

Source: Trade Car View
 
BONUS: 1985 VAZ Lada 2105 (A Bit Bigger)
OK, this one isn't a subcompact, but it's crazy. Also known as the Lada Riva, the 2105 was built in places including Russia, Ukraine, Egypt,, West Germany, and Kazakhstan. This 1985 model is located in the Seattle area and allegedly has a 650 hp turbocharged V6. Yeah, you read that right. The seller is asking a cool $27,000 for this thing. I'd love to see more pictures of this. 
Source: Seattle Craigslist

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Forgotten Small Cars

Toyota Tercel 4WD in the snow
Today I ran into this high-resolution image of the Toyota Tercel Wagon. These bulletproof 4WD wagons will seemingly run forever, so long as you keep their 1980s-made bodies away from salt. Sometimes I forget these ever looked new. Add some fancy lighting and skis (yes, those are Yamaha skis), and it can really bring you back!

This Tercel picture made me think of a host of other cars that I hadn't seen on the road in years, but contrary to popular belief, were actually in pristine condition rolling off the showroom floor at one point. See if you remember some of these cars. I haven't seen any of them in person in quite some time. Are there some you remember but haven't seen an a while? Post them up in the comments.

Pontiac Le Mans
Green Pontiac Le Mans hatchback
When was the last time you saw one of these in the flesh? I remember a guy in my dorm was borrowing one of these Pontiac Le Mans for a while in the mid 1990s. Poor guy.

Mitsubishi Cordia
Mitsubishi Cordia
Before the Mitsubishi Starion there was the Cordia. For some reason, I always look for these on craigslist, not that I'd do anything other than say, "Wow, I can't believe there's one for sale" if I found one.

Mazda GLC
Two Mazda GLC hatchbacks
Truthfully, I know where I can find one of these here in Portland, but its not in great shape. Other than that, it must've been 25+ years since I saw one in person.

Dodge Colt
Dodge COlt
It's been nearly forever since I saw an old Colt like this. My parents had a 1979 or 1980 version. It was red, and I remember how the front passenger seat folded forward.

Dodge Omni
Dodge Omnis
Here's another one that seems to have left the earth. We had a dark blue one in the early 1980s; it was a four-speed. My friend Dan had one as a winter beater back in Minnesota. You could still buy one into the early 1990s, too. Bonus points for the shelf-paper woodgrain.

Nissan Pulsar NX
Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak
Remember the Nissan Pulsar NX? You could remove the trunk and slap on this "sportbak" canopy turning the coupe into a wagony shooting brakeish thing.

Hyundai Scoupe
Hyundai Scoupe
Before Hyundai became a world-class automaker, the Scoupe was the company's sporting option, which I believe combined the "S" from sport and the word coupe. Genius! It was one of the last cars on the U.S. market to not offer dual airbags. You could, however, get a turbo model.

Ford Aspire
Ford Aspire
Before Ford had great hatchbacks, such as the Focus and Fiesta, they had the Aspire, which was made by Kia. When was the last time you saw one of these cruising the boulevard?

Chevrolet Spectrum
You may remember the Suzuki-built Chevy Sprint (and Sprint Turbo), but they also offered the Isuzu-built Spectrum (and Spectrum Turbo). You can still find Sprints every now and then, but the Spectrums are quite rare—especially the turbo models.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Nissan Rolls Versa Note Down a Hill



"What would you do with a Nissan Versa Note?"

Ask that question on social media, and you're bound to have some smartass respond with "Push it off a cliff." Well, frankly, that's sort of what Nissan has just done.

Nissan Europe has taken a Versa Note, put it into a Zorb (e.g. giant inflatable bubble that gets pushed down a hill, usually with a human inside), and, well, pushed it down a hill. Why? To showcase its safety, I suppose. I've never been zorbing (is that even a verb?), but it looks pretty fun if not slightly vomit inducing. I think I'll leave the Zorbing to the Versa Note.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Nissan Micra Cup Coming To Canada

Nissan Micra Cup Car

If there's one thing we really love at Subcompact Culture, it's free booze small race cars, and just announced it's holding a one-make race for the subcompact Micra in Canada.

In conjunction with JD Motorsports Organization, Nissan has said the Micra Cup will be the least expensive way to get into racing in Canada, as a fully race-prepped Micra can be had for a tick under $20,000. What does $20K CAD get you? It gest you a new 2015 Micra outfitted with:
  • NISMO S-Tune Suspension Kit
  • FIA-approved racing seat
  • 5-point harness
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Modified exhaust
  • High-performance brake pads
  • Safety cage
  • Driver protection net
  • Front and rear towing hooks
  • Stylized Fastwheels wheels with Pirelli low profile high performance tires
And that $19,998 includes installation.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Review: 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV

Nissan Versa Note SV front

I can really appreciate simplicity in an automobile, especially a modern one. With so many cars having buttons everywhere, all kinds of super high-tech gadgetry, interiors that look like they belong in a sci-fi films, and powertrains that require a degree in astrophysics to fix, it can be refreshing to get into a vehicle that is easy to operate, simple to drive, and basic. That car would be a Nissan Versa Note.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Nissan Kills the Cube


2014 Nissan Cube will be the last year

It's been rumored that Nissan will cease selling it's funkdafied Cube, meaning 2014 will be the last model year. While Nissan still hasn't officially said it, there's been significant buzz today that the little boxcar will likely go the way of the Nissan Axxess dodo bird, and find its place in automotive history. Nissan Canada has already confirmed the Cube's demise, and it's likely it's the case for U.S. market Cubes, too, especially since Autoblog has a source that said it won't appear in Nissan USA's lineup for 2015. So it might as well be in stone.

I've always had a soft spot for the Cube, as it's funky mega-Japanese design spoke to me. Although, it was speaking in Japanese, so I really couldn't understand it. But regardless, I always thought it was neat, even in our 2009 review, where I proclaimed "the box is back." Well it was back. And now it's about to be gone. It isn't too surprising, since sales are down 30.9% compared to 2013; Nissan has sold just 2,294 units through June 30. Peak Cube sales were in 2010, where the model moved 22,968 units. And since we're talking numbers, here are Cube sales year by year:

2013: 5,461
2012: 7,667
2011: 14,459
2010: 22,968
2009: 21,471

I'm not sure what happened in 2012, but sales were slashed. Big time. I still prefer the Cube to the second-generation xB, but the Kia Soul has given the Cube a heck of a run for its money. But regardless, I'll miss Nissan's funky boxcar. I'd still consider owning a six-speed manual Cube, frankly. They're practical, funky, and still different than anything else on the market.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Is Nissan Killing the Cube?

2014 Nissan Cube to be the last model year?

Rumor has it that Nissan is killing the Cube, although apparently it's more than a rumor in Canada. What's a square car loving person to do? Looking at the Cube's rather dismal U.S. sales, it's not all that surprising, assuming it's true. Canada is giving the Cube the axe, and it's likely the U.S. is next.

We reviewed the Cube back when it was introduced in 2009. We called it the opposite of the Kia Soul, meaning it was comfortable but not terribly athletic. I've always been a fan, but that shouldn't be surprising since I tend to like the cars no one else does. I'd still rock a Cube with the manual transmission that's lowered on some nice 15 or 16" wheels. Maybe some widened steelies?

Anyhow, if you are looking to purchase a new Cube soon, you might want to strike before this box ships out.

SOURCE:
Autos.ca

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Review: 2014 Nissan Leaf SL

2014 Nissan Leaf SL in the driveway

Since its debut four years ago, the Nissan Leaf has changed the electric vehicle game as we know it. This eclectic electric is the first mainstream EV, and it's is certainly noticable in Portland, Oregon where they are commonplace. Its appealing price tag, spacious four-door hatchback interior, "regular car” driving experience, and EPA estimated 84 mile range have arguably made it a success.

We reviewed the 2011 Nissan Leaf SL a few years back when it was fresh on the market. Four years later, we find ourselves in the 2014 Nissan Leaf SL, equipped with the Premium package. Tweaked here and there with refreshed and added accoutrements, our impressions are still both mixed for this electric entity.

Gone are the 2011’s MPG-e statistics of 106 city and 92 highway and 73 mile range. Here are the improved 2014’s 126 city and 101 highway ratings and 84 mile range. That is a significant improvement, especially when one is worried about range anxiety. The rearview camera was optional back then, but it is standard on all Leaf trim levels now. Add to this more amenities and a few tweaked cosmetic elements, and you have an improved EV that has risen to the top of the mainstream EV/hybrid favorites and continues to stay there, despite other four-door EVs now biting at its heels. Those other EVs include the likes of the Ford Focus, Chevy Spark, and Honda Fit. Year-to-date Leaf sales are up 32.8% over last year. That says something.

360 degree parking camera.
The 2014 Nissan Leaf is available in three trim levels to suite your taste and budget: the S, SV, and SL. Our top-of-the-line SL came equipped with the optional Premium package, which gains you everything the regular SL has to offer, plus an around-view monitor with a unique 360-degree parking camera, and one heck of a Bose audio system, specifically its Energy Efficient Series. Can I truly say that I want the Leaf back just because the Bose audio was just that good? Pretty much. And that camera system is pretty wild. I can't say I've seen that on any other car, let alone any compact vehicle on the market.

In addition to the improved range and kick-ass seven-speaker stereo system, the SL trim level adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic LED headlights, a CHAdeMO quick-charge port, and a solar panel mounted on the rear spoiler to help power the accessories. Other niceties include leather-appointed upholstery, cargo cover, heated just-about-everything (front seats, rear seats, steering wheel, and outdoor mirrors), charge port light, lock and timer, as well as a plethora of other goodies. Also prominent are tech features that include Nissan navigation, Pandora Link for iPhone, AM/FM/CD/AUX in audio system with USB connectivity, and CARWINGS. CARWINGS is a system that allows Leaf owners to communicate remotely with their car via web-based mobile phone or computer to check charge status, set timers, turn off the A/C, find charge stations, etc. Tech-o-plenty.

The Leaf's interior is pretty comfortable. The seats aren't terribly supportive, but they are pleasing. Rear seat room is adequate, and they fold down to make for more space. There are a mega-ton of menus, buttons, and displays, and the car will tell you just about everything you'd ever want to know about it.

The ’14 Nissan Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt electric motor that produces 107 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. The system utilizes a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is housed in the floor. With an EPA-rated 84 miles to a charge, it is pretty assured that all of our daily commutes and errand-running efforts would be handled with ease. No range anxiety here. Although, if you run the seat heaters, stereo, heated steering wheel, and other electric items when it's cold out (like our brisk spring mornings in Portland), be aware—the mileage will often decrease dramatically. The less you use those convenience items, the more you will stabilize your range. Now, do you have to freeze your fingers off during your cold nine-mile morning commute to your job? Nope. It is something to be aware of, nonetheless.

Nissan Leaf trunk with cord bagThe Leaf is very intuitive and easy to drive compared to some other EVs/hybrids (you know who you are). The hockey puck-styled shifter nub is designed beautifully. Move it from the park position to either reverse or drive, release the parking brake, and you are ready to roll. Oh, of course, you need to unplug it first and close the charge door on the front hood and put the cord back perfectly into the small zippered bag Nissan supplied. Or you could be like me and just throw the cord in the back. You will need five minutes to coil the cord back up neatly in order to fit it in the bag. As neat-looking as the bag is when clipped to the side of the rear cargo area, I doubt any real-world driver would use or have time to mess with it.

The center stack and driver’s gauge cluster are easy to read and designed appropriately. If you choose to not listen to the truly excellent Bose system (how could you not?), the Leaf whines slightly during take-off. Take care when using the center stack—there is high-gloss piano black plastic surrounding it: Fingerprint city. This may be the latest rage, but for me, I worry about longevity of this finish. Carry a cloth with you and wipe it down. Smudges aren’t attractive to anyone.

There is adequate torque up front when driving the Leaf, but it struggles getting up to highway speed. Around town, the aforementioned power may be something you won’t notice, but passing and merging onto the highway doesn’t afford a ton of power; certainly less than the spunky, pint-sized Chevrolet Spark EV. The regenerative brakes are very spongy. Cornering is balanced and stable, although far from athletic. There is a lot of body roll around corners. The highway ride is cushy, and wind/road noise is kept out of the cabin nicely.

Living in Portland, Oregon, one sees many Leafs (Leaves?) on the road, and I am not talking about the vegetative type, but there are so many for a reason. This is a solid car that has a lot to offer, but here in Portland, they’re hardly unique. When it first came out, it was a cool, contemporary, and cutting-edge car. While it continues to be a solid tech-laden EV choice, they're everywhere. Well, at least in the automotive microcosm that is EV-crazed Portland. You probably see 100 Leafs for every one Chevrolet Spark, for instance. However, in many parts of the country, especially the frigid Midwest, they're a rarity. We had some friends visit from Wisconsin last year and they marveled at the first sight of a Leaf. We were a bit surprised by their reaction, but quickly realized they don't see hardly any of them due to the cold, range-decreasing temperatures.

2014 Nissan Leaf rear shot

This top-of-the-line Leaf SL has a sticker price of $37,090 including $850 for destination. A Leaf S can be had for $29,830 delivered. So yes, this SL has a lot of add ons. However, there’s a federal EV incentive of up to $7,500. Oregon also has as $750 incentive to buy a charger. (The previous $1,500 state credit has been discontinued.) You can look up your state’s incentives on Nissan's website.

The Leaf is great for what it is intended: a compact car that is still a strong choice in the EV realm. It is still a cool design that has a ton of amenities. And although I see about a half-dozen on my nine-mile round-trip commute, the Leaf is still a powerhouse EV contender. And if you ask someone to name an EV, you're bound to hear one of two cars: Tesla or the Nissan Leaf.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Behold: The Refreshed 2015 Nissan Versa


Nissan is mildly refreshing its hot-selling Versa sedan here in the States. While it isn't earth shattering, there are some aesthetic differences. Of note, new headlamps and a new grille, fog light finishing trim, and a more dynamic rear fascia. There are different wheels, too.


I will say the changes do make the vehicle looks a bit nicer, although I still think the Versa isn't prettiest girl at the dance.


There are some modest changes inside the Versa, too. Enhancements for the 2015 model year include a new center stack shape, which is similar to that found on the Versa Note, a revised meter display with white LED display (previously orange illumination color) and a new, more substantial, steering wheel with standard audio and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System controls. Versa Sedan S and S Plus grades feature a wide AM/FM/CD audio system with standard auxiliary-in and Radio Data System (RDS), standard assist grips, a passenger-side vanity mirror and new seat fabric.

Versa Sedan SV adds an outside temperature display, USB/iPod® controls, upgraded fabric headliner, map light with key-linked illuminated entry and silver finishers on the center instrument panel cluster. SL models include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an AM/FM/CD/USB-iPod audio system with 5.0-inch display and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps.

No changes in the power department, however, as the car still comes with the 1.6-liter HR16DE four cylinder making 106 horsepower and 107 ft./lbs. of torque. Transmission options will be a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or CVT. Fuel economy is 31 city, 40 highway, and 35 combined with the CVT.

Nissan sells a boatload of these smallish sedans here in the U.S., and I'm sure these changes will likely help continue to keep sales strong.

SOURCE: Nissan

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Is the Nissan Micra Coming to the U.S. After All?

Nissan Micra in the U.S.

It's kind of blurry; it's a bit grainy. But you know what this is? It's a freakin' Nissan Micra in the U.S., that's what it is. This picture, originally posted on Micra-Forum.com, clearly does show a Micra, and the picture was snapped in Los Angeles by MirageForum.com member, Mikhail.

According to Micra-Forum.com, there's more to this story than a semi-blurry pic of a subcompact car. These thoughts come from Micra-Forum.com:

  1. Nissan has repeatedly said in the past that it had no intention of selling the Micra in Canada.
  2. Nissan has an active trademark for "Micra" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  3. Why did it invite the U.S. motoring media to test drive / review the current Micra on public roads in California mid/late last year?
  4. What was a very lightly camouflaged Micra doing driving around Los Angeles just last month.
  5. Nissan USA has said several times that it "would cost too much" to bring the Micra up to U.S. regulatory specs. That's bunk. Most of the work to "federalize" the current Micra was purposely designed into the current car. Also, Canadian and U.S. regulations are essentially identical. So if Nissan Canada can afford to tweak the car to permit its sale in the Great White North, Nissan USA with ten times the market size can certainly afford to do the same.


So is it possible the Micra will be headed Stateside after all? Things to consider:


  • Nissan does not have an A-segment car to compete against the Fiat 500, Smart ForTwo, Scion iQ, or Chevrolet Spark.
  • The Nissan Cube is likely going away for 2015, which could allow for another small care entry into the lineup. 
  • Nissan is currently the leader in terms of B-segment car sales. In 2013, Nissan moved more than 117,000 Versas. 
I think the new Micra is fantastic looking, and I sincerely hope the car does head to the U.S. Let's keep our fingers crossed. 

2015 Nissan Versa Front

2015 Nissan Versa Rear

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Nissan Needs to Bring the New Micra to the U.S.

2015 Nissan Micra in Canada

Nissan has officially announced it's going to sell its tiny Micra subcompact in Canada again for the first time in 21 years. It will compete against cars like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Chevrolet Spark, Fiat 500, and Smart ForTwo in the Canadian A-segment. 

It's a well-known fact that Canadians will more readily buy smaller cars than Americans. If you visit Canada, you'll see the Toyota Yaris everywhere. There are a bunch of Honda Fits. There are scads of Kia Rios. And while Nissan already sells the Versa and Versa Note there, Nissan Canada has decided that there's room on the Canadian market for something smaller, and that's the Micra. 

Frankly, I'm jealous. I think this latest Micra, which starts at just under $10,000 CAD, is a great looking little car. It's not quite as angular as the Chevrolet Spark, but not as rounded off as the Mitsubishi Mirage. It's got style, it's affordable, and it'll be fuel efficient. It'll be powered by a 1.6-liter four cylinder making 109 horsepower and 107 lbs./ft. of torque—the same as the larger Versa. Transmissions will be either a five-speed manual or a fours-speed automatic. I haven't owned a Nissan since my 1999 Sentra SE Limited. If this car came to the U.S., it's likely get me back into a Nissan.

I think Nissan should really consider bringing the Micra to United States. It could be a fierce competitor in the growing A-segment here in the States. Plus, it's got more power than most of the A-segments and it looks great (especially in the SR trim). Nissan's Versa is on the bigger end of the B-segment; it's almost a small C-segment car, so the Micra might fit in very well here in the U.S. as well as it fits into the Canadian market. 

The Micra is sold all over the world. I think it's time it was also sold in the U.S.

2015 Nissan Micra rear