Nissan Micra coming to Canada

After a 21 year absence, the Nissan Micra nameplate is returning to Canada. The first-generation Micra was sold here between 1984 and 1992.

Known as the March in some markets, the new Micra is a sub-compact, four-door hatchback, smaller than the Versa Note. It is built on the same platform as the Note and will share the same powertrain in this country – a 109 horsepower, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

The current-generation model, which made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show last fall, will make its public debut in Canada at the Montreal auto show next week and will go on sale in the spring. It will not be sold in the U.S.

Just 3.82 metres in length, the Micra will compete with other entry-level vehicles such as the Chevrolet Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Pricing has not yet been announced but expect it to start below the Versa Note's $13,348 threshold.

The Micra will be built at Nissan’s plant in Aguascalientes in Mexico, qualifying it for duty-free importation under NAFTA's rules.