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Third generation (K12)
Overview
Also called	Nissan March Mitsuoka Viewt Duesen Bayern Ritz
Production	2002–2010
Model years	2003–2010
Assembly	Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan Sunderland, England (NMUK)
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 2-door coupé convertible
Platform	Nissan B platform
Related	Nissan Tiida/Versa Nissan Note Nissan Cube Nissan Juke Nissan NV200 Renault Clio III Renault Modus Duesen Bayern Ritz
Powertrain
Engine	1.0 L CR10DE I4 1.2 L CR12DE I4 1.4 L CR14DE I4 1.5 L HR15DE I4 1.6 L HR16DE I4 1.5 L K9K diesel I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,430 mm (95.7 in) (hatchback) 2,432 mm (95.7 in) (coupé convertible)
Length	3,719 mm (146.4 in) (hatchback) 3,806 mm (149.8 in) (coupé convertible)
Width	1,680 mm (66.1 in) (hatchback) 1,668 mm (65.7 in) (coupé convertible)
Height	1,540 mm (60.6 in) (hatchback) 1,441 mm (56.7 in) (coupé convertible)

Micra K12 (2002–2007)

 

2002-2006 Nissan Micra 3-door (Europe)

The next version of the Micra, the K12, was unveiled in production form at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, following the lines of the Nissan mm.e concept car presented the year before at the Frankfurt Motor Show. 

It was introduced to the Japanese market in early 2002 and to the European market in early 2003. The car was radically redesigned: it featured a new, 70 mm longer wheelbase (developed with Renault) and an even more curvy exterior that was taller and slightly wider. Its most distinctive feature was a pair of prominent headlamps that extended to the wing-tops. The redesign coincided with the Japanese Nissan dealership network Nissan Cherry Store being renamed Nissan Red Stage in 1999. Other additions included a sliding rear seat and the option of keyless ignition on higher specification models. The range of engines included improved 1.2 (CR12DE) and 1.4 (CR14DE) petrol models, and a Renault-sourced 1.5 diesel unit (K9K). The automatic CVT transmission of the previous model was replaced by a conventional automatic transmission.

 

Nissan March Rafeet

The K12 was well received by the motor industry and set a new standard for the superminis that followed it.

Nissan March (2002–)

The vehicle was unveiled in Nissan Headquarters Gallery, and in Nissan's Ginza Gallery in a display featuring the wide array of color variations.

March Enchante includes a swivel front passenger's seat that turns 90° in a simple operation to allow easy ingress and egress by senior citizens and wheelchair users as well as by persons wearing traditional Japanese clothing. The March Driving Helper is fitted with hand-operated driving controls that are primarily intended to enable persons with leg disabilities to drive and include a control lever for operating the accelerator and the brakes with the left hand. These hand-operated controls are incorporated in the Autech Driving Control package, developed originally by Autech Japan for Nissan vehicles and featuring an outstanding design, operating ease and reliability.

March Enchante was unveiled in 2004 Tokyo Motor Show.

The vehicles went on sale on 2003-03-05. Early models include 14e (5-door), 12c (3/5-door), 10b (3/5-door). Early March Enchante models include 12c (3/5-door). Early March Driving Helper models include 12c (3/5-door).

Nissan March Rafeet, 4WD models (2002–)

March Rafeet and 4WD March models went on sale on 2002-09-05. Early March Rafeet models include 12c, 14c-four. Other four wheel drive models included March Enchante (14c-four, 14e-four), March Enchante flip seat (14c-four), March Driving Helper (14c-four).

Nissan Micra R (2003)

In 2003, Nissan UK, inspired by the Andros Trophy K11, unveiled the Micra-R, a one-off mid-engined K12. Shown at the Geneva Motor Show without running gear and engine, being only a display car, it was later given the go-ahead and Nissan commissioned Ray Mallock Ltd to insert a mid-mounted BTCC-derived Primera QG20DE engine for show and press demonstration purposes. In 2005, Nissan UK decided to replace the Primera engine with a VQ35DE from a 350Z with a modified Altima SE-R gearbox for user-friendliness on the road. This model was baptized 350SR, although it was not offered for sale. It was taken on to EVO magazine's "fast fleet" for a period of time where it became a favourite of many of the writers. Other modifications to this car include a vented rear arch and a set of Rays Engineering wheels. To date, Nissan has no plans to put this model into production.

2004 update

Nissan Micra (2004–)

Changes include addition of clear front indicator lamps, a new seven spoke design of 15" wheel cover, 2 new body colours (Emotion Red, Cocoon Green) for total of 7 colours, body coloured powered door mirrors and door handles, front seats with improved support, addition of remote controls for the CD audio system and drive computer.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2004 Paris Motor Show.

Nissan March 12c i Selection/14c-four i Selection, March Bolero (2004–)

Nissan March 12c i Selection, 14c-four i Selection, Enchante 12c i Selection are versions of Nissan March 12c, 14c-four, Enchante 12c respectively, with:

• exclusive seat cloth
• MD/CD integrated AM/FM electronic tuner radio with 4 speakers
• meter finisher and inside door handle ivory decoration
• privacy glass
• coloured door handle
• choice of 12 colours (including exclusive air blue pearl metallic)

March Bolaro is based on Nissan March 12c and 14c-four 5-door with:

• exclusive front grille and hood top moulding, front bumper
• multi reflector halogen head lamp
• exclusive front fog lamp, front turn lamp, plated overrider (rear), plated side guard moulding
• coloured door handle
• exclusive rear combination lamp (clear type), naming emblem, 15-inch aluminium wheels with 175/60R 15 81H tyres, seat floor
• dimpled leather wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
• exclusive finisher
• intelligent key
• 60/40 rear invertible seat
• front seats back pocket
• front passenger seat under tray
• exclusive meter

Japan models went on sale in 2004-12-01.

Bolero, Rafeet

Autech, a Nissan-owned company, unveiled alternative models called the Bolero and the Rafeet. The Bolero, like Autech's versions of the K11, has the usual retro front end (which with the standard Micra headlights makes the car resemble the Lancia Ypsilon); the Rafeet has a more modern approach, resembling a BMW MINI, with either a black or white leather interior, whereas the Bolero has partial wood panelling and exclusive seating.

Nissan Micra C+C (2005–)

 

Nissan Micra C+C

In 2005, the K12 chassis spawned the coupé convertible model called the Nissan Micra C+C. It was designed at the new London-based Nissan Design Europe studio, developed at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe at Cranfield, Bedfordshire and built, as with its predecessor, at the Sunderland plant. It is built as a modern interpretation of the 1991 Micra-based Nissan Figaro with a convertible hardtop instead of the canvas top the Figaro had. The electric folding glass roof is made by Karmann coachworks and has a 2+2 seating layout. The car is powered by an 1.4 or 1.6 L gasoline engine, or a 1.5 L diesel available on European versions only. It was originally available only in Europe (launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show), but sales in Japan began in 2007 after the introduction at the Tokyo Auto Show.

There were originally four trim levels: Urbis, Sport, Essenza and Active Luxury.

In October 2013, Top Gear magazine placed the Micra C+C on its list of "The 13 worst cars of the last 20 years", on the basis that "If you need us to justify its inclusion here, you are not only reading the wrong mag As much fun as sticking chilli-infused toothpicks in your eyes."

2005 update

2005 Nissan March update, March 12SR, March 15SR-A, March Bolero, March Rafeet, March Life Care Vehicles (2005–)

Changes to Nissan March include:

• redesigned front grille, front bumper, 14-inch full wheel cover, rear combination lamb, rear bumper
• 4 new body colours (China blue metallic, wild blueberry, Sherry silver titan metallic, Irish cream) for total of 12 colour choices
• new interior colour (ice blue) for total of 3 colour choices (redesigned green)
• new seat cloth, reshaped seat
• added foor trim cloth
• redesigned meter
• head lamp manual levellizer (with xenon head lamp auto levellizer)
• interior package become manufacturer option (some grades)
• DVD simple navigation system manufacturer option (except 12B)
• Change to HR15DE engine

Micra 12SR is a version of Nissan March with:

• CR12DE engine with stainless exhaust manifold, cylinder head port polish
• Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R 185/55R15 81V with new aluminium wheel design
• redesigned suspension, power steering assist
• enlarged front brake rotor
• tail crossbar
• SR-exclusive front spoiler, rear under protector, large roof spoiler, under body aerodynamic parts
• exclusive sport seat, meter, aluminium pedal, grade and black interior colour scheme

Micra 15SR is a version of Nissan March 12SR with:

• HR15DE engine
• Xtronic CVT transmission

March Bolero and Rafeet are versions of Nissan March with:

• unique exterior designs
• Plasmacluster full auto air conditioner as standard equipment

March Life Care Vehicles include:

• Enchante (front passenger slide up seat, front driver swivel seat)
• Driving helper Auto drive gear type e

Japan models went on sale in 2005-08-25. Early Nissan March models include 12B, 12S, 12E, 15S, 15E, 15G, 15RX, 12SR, 15SR-A, 14S FOUR, 14E FOUR, 14G FOUR. Early March Bolero and Rafeet models include 12S and 14S FOUR. Early March Enchante models include 12E, 15E, 14E FOUR. Early March Driving helper models include 12E, 14E FOUR.

Nissan Micra 160 SR (2005–)

In 2005, Nissan Europe released a performance model of the K12. Dubbed the 160 SR, it was released as a direct competitor to the Mazda 2 Genki (DY), Toyota Yaris RS 1.5 (XP90), Suzuki Swift Sport (ZC31S), with a 1.6 L HR16DE engine, giving 113 PS (83 kW/111 hp) and uprated sports suspension. In 2006, Nissan renamed the 160 SR to the Sport SR in line with name changes across the board for the K12. However, this rebranding was short-lived: the performance model reverted to the 160 SR name in late 2007.

The launch of the 160 SR coincided with a revision of the K12. The radiator grilles were given a chrome strip through the centre and the original amber indicators were replaced with clear ones. The rear bumper was restyled and made more robust (apparently in response to French parking habits). The interior was also given a makeover, with more supportive seats, thicker glass and better soundproofing.

There were originally six trim levels of the K12, but in 2006 they were simplified to just three: Initia, Spirita and Sport. In addition, the launch line-up of six engines was reduced to the most popular four. The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show .

Nissan March 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts (2006)

Nissan March 12SR, NISMO March　S-tune were unveiled in 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Nissan Micra C+C (2006–)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by 2006 Geneva Motor Show.

Japanese model (with HR16DE engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronic automatic transmission) went on sale as 2007 model in limited quantities (1500 units) on 2007-07-23.

Micra Active Luxury (2006–)

Micra and Micra C+C Active Luxury are versions of Nissan Micra and Micra C+C with 11-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel from Micra C+C, chromed headlamps, a rear spoiler and small front foglamps, adaptive 6CD audio system, full automatic air-conditioning, heated front sports seats with lumbar support, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and automatic headlight activation (Micra hatchback).

The vehicles were unveiled in 2006 Paris Motor Show.

Retail models went on sale in Europe in mid-September 2006.

Marketing

Micra C+C was marketed under the tagline of "SHIFT_happiness."

Micra K12C (2007–2010)

 

Nissan Micra K12C

 

Nissan Micra K12C

 

Nissan Micra K12C (Australia). Note: absence of indicator lamps in grille

In late 2007, the Nissan Micra was facelifted again. It had several cosmetic tweaks: every model featured the standard racing grille taken from the K12 160 SR; the front headlights were tidied up (incorporating light blue-tinted sidelights) and the grilles housing the indicators were edged in chrome. In addition, the B-pillar trims were no longer colour-coded. Inside, there were new seat fabric designs, and the dashboard featured parts taken from other Nissans. New equipment included an audible speed warning, bluetooth connectivity with the vehicle and reversing sensors. All models (save for entry-level) were fitted with sport bumpers and spoilers on the sides and rear.

K12C models in Europe:

• Visia: old K12 model with facelift
• Acenta/Acenta +: luxury models
• Tekna: sportive model
• 160 SR: sportive/performance model
• Active Luxury: luxury/sportive model

The 1.2-litre engine for the entry-level Visia was a 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) unit, as opposed to the 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) version on other grades. In addition, the Visia did not have the option of a 1.4 L engine. The 1.6 L engine was reserved for the 160 SR and as an option on the Active Luxury grade.

Starting from 2007, Nissan began selling the K12 in Australia. Imported from Japan, there was only one specification level: a five-door hatchback with the 1.4-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission. The Australian specification adopted the Japanese facelift, with indicators integrated into the headlamps.

In 2009, it was reported that a total of 31,600 units were sold in Japan and nearly 122,000 worldwide.