Launch of Nissan's new sub-B car next week marks yet another milestone in the history of Thai automotive industry.

Styling & Packaging

Fascia design has a bubbly shaped.

This all-new global small car from Nissan being launched at the Geneva motor show this week is coming to Thailand on Mar 12 in the guise of the country's first Eco-car.

The Micra - also known as March in Japan and most likely to be called by that name in Thailand - has evolved mildly in appearance with more rounded surfaces inside and outside.

Built on Nissan's new V platform, the Micra is slightly longer and lower than the outgoing model. Nissan promises that compact exterior dimensions won't come at the expense of limited room for tall passengers.

As Motoring once discovered with the old Micra in Europe, Nissan's new hatchback baby would be an agile car to drive, especially in city driving where the new model claims a turning radius of 4.5m - tighter than in any Thai B-segment contender including the smallest Swift from Suzuki.

Slated to follow after the five-door hatchback is a four-door saloon and an MPV-like variation featuring more interior versatility - just the way the Jazz is being promoted over other B-sized hatches on sale in Thailand.

Engine & Transmission

If costs permit, interior features could make it into Thai spec.

Nissan has announced two petrol engines based on a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder block with variable valve timing control and automatic stop-and-go. One is 80hp normally aspirated version and the other 98hp supercharged variant with direct-injection.

Nissan bosses made it clear to the Thai media late last year that its Eco-car will be "hi-tech" due to the strict 120g/km maximum imposed on CO2 emissions. The 1.2 puts out 115g/km and the supercharged 1.2 a lower 95g/km. Transmission choices include five-speed manual and CVT automatic.

Market & Pricing

Nissan says the Micra will be made in four countries, namely Thailand, India, China and Mexico, and sold in 130 countries. Depending on market requirements, there will be a wide range of options including ESP stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, as well as convenience items like cruise control, automatic climate control, trip computer and sunroof.

Micra evolved gently in design - if Thais ever had the chance to see the predecessor.

Sources claim that Nissan is aiming for a starting price of "just under B400,000", although that version is likely to be deprived of most features especially those pertaining to safety because Thai regulations don't require them fitted as standard - unlike in Europe where the opposite applies.

The top-spec model is likely to nudge the half-million-baht mark, although there could be several trims to choose from at lower prices depending on the price/kit balance being weighed by product planners.

Although Nissan will be first with Eco-car, there are others in Thailand already selling similar alternatives arriving here from other ASEAN facilities duty-free. They include the smaller-selling Kia Picanto priced from B398,000-469,000 and Proton Savvy (B399,000-469,000).

Honda is set to become the second brand to launch Eco-car. It will unveil it late this year as a 2011 model, according to sources.