Small cars developed or built in Japan and sold overseas are a peculiar breed, one that's not easily understood. For example, the Honda Fit is actually a compact there, since people there have a different outlook on size than Americans.
Another think rarely known about Japanese cars is that most of them come with all-wheel drive that's not available elsewhere.
Take the Nissan Micra, for example. It's a really small car for city driving, but winter conditions are so harsh in Japan that they need more traction. The automaker just announced new pricing information for the car and we though you guys might want to know that adding 4WD is a 172,800 yen optional extra, equivalent to €1,246 or $1,706.
That which you call a Micra by any other name… is actually a "Nissan March". That's the official name of the car in Japan, from as long ago as the Datsun days. However, it's basically the same vehicle and has even received the same 2014 model year cosmetic updates. These include a new grille, front fascia and a choice of 9 cool colors: Pink pink, Olive Gold, Crystal Lilac, Night purple veil, Radiant tread, Brilliant Silver, Pure Black, Brilliant white pearl and Caprice blue (pictured above).
All models come with the same engine, a 1.2-liter codenamed HR12DE. The mill makes 80 hp and 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) and is hooked up exclusively to a CVT gearbox. That's right, there's no manual. Despite this, the starting price is just 1,137,240 yen, equivalent to $11,230 or €8,200, which is quite reasonable.
Take the Nissan Micra, for example. It's a really small car for city driving, but winter conditions are so harsh in Japan that they need more traction. The automaker just announced new pricing information for the car and we though you guys might want to know that adding 4WD is a 172,800 yen optional extra, equivalent to €1,246 or $1,706.
That which you call a Micra by any other name… is actually a "Nissan March". That's the official name of the car in Japan, from as long ago as the Datsun days. However, it's basically the same vehicle and has even received the same 2014 model year cosmetic updates. These include a new grille, front fascia and a choice of 9 cool colors: Pink pink, Olive Gold, Crystal Lilac, Night purple veil, Radiant tread, Brilliant Silver, Pure Black, Brilliant white pearl and Caprice blue (pictured above).
All models come with the same engine, a 1.2-liter codenamed HR12DE. The mill makes 80 hp and 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) and is hooked up exclusively to a CVT gearbox. That's right, there's no manual. Despite this, the starting price is just 1,137,240 yen, equivalent to $11,230 or €8,200, which is quite reasonable.