Around back is the same pronounced lip, plus a thin LED third brake light strip and indented fuel-filler cap. The biggest change, however, has to be its new headlamps. Seemingly inspired by Tokyo's Fuga concept and the Nissan Cima/Infiniti Q45, the Micra C+C's eyes light up in a vortex-like pattern of super-bright white LEDs that not only turn darkness to daylight but look stunning.
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| Nissan has upped the quality of materials and interior styling of the Micra convertible. (Photo: Nissan) |
On the inside, the changes are even more dramatic. While the Micra can hardly be considered an average, dull supermini, Nissan has upped quality of materials and interior styling. Notice first off that the C+C has oddly-shaped two-piece seats. They're light in color and look superb. The rest of the cockpit is a twist of vanilla and chocolate. The two colors mix and match between the seats, doors, trim and dashboard to create warm, welcoming surroundings. The controls and instruments have remained the same as in the hatchback.
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| The Micra C+C isn't planned to arrive before 2005, and Nissan remains tight-lipped about possible engine options. (Photo: Nissan) |
Overall the only shortcoming I can see is the car's true lack of rear space. Though Nissan calls it a 2+2, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to any humans, let alone soft bags or briefcases stuffed into the rear seating area. These "pockets" look adequate for only a small dog, with anything larger considered a criminal offence.
Seeing as Nissan doesn't plan on having the Micra C+C hit the streets before 2005, they've remained tight-lipped about drivetrain configurations. A quick look over potential mechanical candidates will show that four engines could be made available. These include the 65-hp 1.2-liter and 88-hp 1.4-liter gasoline engines, as well as a 1.5 liter Renault-sourced turbodiesel. This diesel is tuned to two power output levels of 65 and 82 horsepower. Whatever engine is chosen, the Micra will still have its power routed to the front wheels via a manual transmission. It's debatable whether Nissan will apply the CVT transmission to the pint-sized convertible. If the car came to North America, it would be a certain option.