Nissan gets two new arrivals this month. The most important is the new Micra and the entry level 1.2 litre XE five-door sells for €14,195 ex-works. It arrives as a five-door supermini with a 1.2 litre petrol with CO2 emissions of 115g/km when married to the five-speed manual gearbox. This version qualifies for the lower band A rate of car tax. Fuel consumption for the manual model on a combined cycle is 56mpg or 5.0L/100km.
There is also the option of an automatic transmission, which slips into the second level of CO2 with emissions of 125g/km. Fuel economy levels also fall back a little with the automatic version. And instead of €104 a year, it will cost €156. The 1.2 litre XE 5dr A/T sells for €16,795 ex-works.
A direct injection version with emissions of 95g/km may be added to the line up later.
The new Micra is bigger, thanks to its new V-platform which is 70kg lighter than the old one. The interior is more spacious and airy than the old model and the boot is larger than before.
This is allied to compact exterior dimensions. The car’s rear has been squared off for a more aerodynamic shape.
Nissan Murano diesel
Also arriving here about now is the Nissan Murano diesel. This premium crossover has moved on from the handicap of a thirsty V6 petrol engine and unrefined automatic transmission to a refined 2.5 litre 175bhp, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine married to a new six-speed gearbox.
On a combined cycle, it returns a 35mpg (8.0/100km ) and CO2 emission of 210g/km. The fuel economy figure from the new diesel unit is nearly 30 per cent or 10mpg better than the previous V6 petrol. It was very wise to wait for the diesel version here.
Thanks to a storming 450Nm of torque, the diesel performs better mid-range too. And not to forget, Nissan’s All Mode 4x4 system is also standard.
The exterior styling of the new Murano looks well, as does the interior with leather upholstery and ambient lighting.
Nissan Juke is Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011
The Nissan Juke has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony in the Convention Centre in Dublin last November.
The Irish Motoring Writers Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality, and value for money.
Paddy Murphy of awards sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, presented the award to Paul O’Sullivan, marketing director of Nissan Ireland. “The Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model and no doubt the 2011 Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a huge boost to the popularity of the Nissan Juke in the Irish market, particularly in the context of the current economic environment,” Mr Murphy said.
Paul O’Sullivan added: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. The Nissan Juke is a tremendous car and this result is due to a great team effort from all our Nissan colleagues, from the designers of the Juke, everyone in sales and marketing, but especially our colleagues on the production line who produce outstanding quality products that deserve awards like this.”
Awards were made in five categories, reflecting the diversified nature of today’s car market in Ireland.
Continental Irish Small Car of the Year: Nissan Juke.
Continental Irish Compact Family Car of the Year: Skoda Yeti.
Continental Irish Family Car of the Year: Peugeot 5008.
Continental Irish Executive/Luxury Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series.
Continental Irish Performance Car of the Year: Peugeot RCZ.
The Nissan Juke succeeds the Peugeot 3008 which took the title last year. The Continental Irish Van of the Year 2011 title was awarded to the Mercedes Benz Vito.
The Irish Motoring Writers' Association has organised the Irish Car of the Year Awards each year for the past 33 years.
