Nissan Micra Diesel: Consumers' viewpoint

After cars such as Ford Figo and VW Polo, the latest to join the diesel bandwagon is the Nissan Micra. This particular diesel variant which is yet to be launched in the market, has invoked people already and they are flocking to the nearby showrooms to have a 'dekho' at the car. We, at ZigWheels caught up with some of these interested consumers and did a survey about this small diesel hatchback. The questions pertained mostly about knowing what people's expectations from the car is, what is the expected price they are willing to pay for this cute little car, what are their likes and dislikes about this car and perhaps most important why diesel?

 
Let us first discuss why so many people are opting to choose a diesel car. We have surveyed about 50 people and almost everyone has to say just one thing- Fuel efficiency-. Elaborating the fact further, Harvinder Jeet Singh a resident from Delhi says " Everyday I have to drive not less than 100 kilometers to and fro from office and home. So when I sat down to calculate the pros and cons, I realized I will save a lot in the long run if I go for a diesel car." According to Sushil Mishra, a resident of Chennai, "Gone are the days when people were not very keen in buying a diesel car mostly because of the knocking sound that is generally produced in some diesel cars. But now with refinement of technology, you can't necessarily tell whether one is driving a diesel or petrol, moreover, with diesel still cheaper than petrol, why would I not go for it if I do have an option?"
 
But then why a Micra diesel we wonder? Are they not looking for other options, we ask? Says Madhamshetty Ranjith Kumar, a Bangalore resident "I agree that Nissan as a company is yet to prove its mettle in the Indian soil, yet with Micra they have come a long way. While Swift is almost an outdated design and Polo is a little too expensive for my budget, I zeroed down on the Micra Diesel." However not everyone agrees on this particular point. He also adds that "Since I have been toying with the option of buying a car, and I know that Micra has come up with a diesel option, a visit to the showroom is a must." Echoing the same sentiments, Shekar Babu B.K from Mumbai says, "I almost zeroed in on the Figo diesel, but when I heard about the Micra diesel, I wanted to check that option also, just to be sure that I am making the right choice."

Next comes the question of likes and dislikes about the car and their expectations from the Micra diesel. Ashok Tiwari says, when I visited the showroom, I was impressed with the looks of the car. I did see a few Micra petrol on the road, but visiting the showroom and taking a test drive made me immediately book this car." If there are praises for the car, can criticism be far behind. Rahul rastogi, an IT professional from Hyderbad says, " I am not satisfied with the car. As compared to the ever loving Swift, this car seems a little cramped. Some of the plastics used aren't of the best quality." To add to this,  Vivan Singh from Gurgaon says, " Those little things like a proper bottle holder, Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls are missing in the Micra. It would have been otherwise a good car to buy."
 
While some complain about lack of proper boot space or drivers seat height adjustment, some complain about the lack of dealers in and around their hometown. Perhaps this is one of the many areas Nissan needs to take control.
Coming to perhaps the most important question is the price. There have been rumors doing the round that the price of the car would be around Rs 5 to Rs 5.5 lakhs. Though most of the consumers are happy with the price Nissan is offering, yet it is always difficult to satisfy one and all. The Micra diesel is launching within a couple of weeks, and with the competition steeping up for the diesel car, this is one battle which will be worth to watch!