Last week I talked about ‘global cars’, the theory that a manufacturer can create a single model of a certain size that will appeal to buyers right across the planet. It’s the Holy Grail for them because it means production costs can be kept to a minimum. In turn that means a competitive price for the customer and tidy profits for the firm.
One company trying this approach for the first time is Nissan, on the all-new Micra. The massively popular city runabout isn’t far short of its 30th birthday, and the MkIV model goes on sale in Europe at the end of the year. UK cars will be built in India, and they’re identical to ones assembled in Mexico, China and Thailand for sale in around 160 countries.
I’ve driven the Micra already – I went to Thailand last weekend to try it out – and can report that it’s a fine car. Not quite the premium- priced fashion statement that the Ford Fiesta is, but an honest, back- to-basics supermini with plenty of standard and optional features. There will be some tweaks to how it rides and handles, to make it more in tune with UK driving styles and our ‘unique’ roads. But even without those it’s a solid performer and will sell by the boat-load.
What it lacks is youth appeal - new drivers aren't going to buy a new Micra, but then they never really have.
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