Latest version of
car for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show makes 98PS, yet offers a claimed
fuel efficiency of 30 kmpl and keeps carbon dioxide emissions under 100
g/km
As much as we love reporting of exotic supercars from international
motor shows, smart and advanced versions of cars available in India grab
our eye in a big way. While the run up to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is
throwing up some interesting and exciting new cars, here’s a gem that
we spotted in the literal rubble of new launches, and while most of them
may carry only lustful value for the petro-heads amongst us, this one
actually makes more sense for India in a more holistic manner.
The Nissan Micra
which hit Indian streets just last year has already become the
company’s best-seller in India, catching the fancy of urban areas. The
latest version of the car which is set to be unveiled in a few weeks at
the Geneva Motor Show though attempts to add more stonk to the hot hatch
and make it cleaner and more fuel-efficient at the same time.
Labelled the Micra DIG-S (Direct-Injection Gasoline, Supercharged),
the new engine that will power the variant is set to bestow a whole lot
of power on the 1.2-litre three-pot, and still retain clean tailpipe
emissions. And the changes don’t lie with the basic architecture of the
light and revvy mill – instead they have been brought about in the fuel
intake side of things. The formula has been tried before by the Germans,
and Euro-savvy Nissan has taken a cue from them to go employ direct
petrol injection along with a supercharger to create the new engine that
makes 98PS of power – at par with standard 1.5-litre engines.
What is of even higher interest though is that the combined fuel
efficiency by European standards for the new engine hover around 30
kilometers to the litre. Carbon dioxide emissions for the engine with
this approach have been reduced to under 100 g/km – well in the
territory of the modern and more expensive diesel engines, and assorted
hybrid powertrains. Nissan hopes for the Micra to get greater tax
benefits and exemptions in the clean-air loving Euro nations.
Wondering when the engine will come as an option to India? Well, so
are we! All we know for now is that international sales begin around
June. Here’s waiting for the hot new number!
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