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| The new 1.2L DIG-S engine. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan is launching a version of the Micra city car equipped with a new supercharged gasoline direct injection engine. The Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger (DIG-S) engine produces 72 kW (97 hp) and 142 N&iddot;m (105 lb-ft), while CO2 emissions are 95 g/km for the manual version and 115 g/km for the CVT version. Maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph) for the manual version. Combined cycle fuel economy figures for the manual Visia (entry-level) version is 4.1 L/100km (57 mpg US).
The DIG-S uses the Miller cycle and gasoline direct injection to raise the compression ratio to 13:1 for greater combustion efficiency and a supercharger for instant throttle response and added power. As well as delivering low CO2 emissions, the lightweight, low-friction 1,198cc three-cylinder unit produces the power expected from a conventional 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Nissan is just as committed to reducing emissions from cars powered by the internal combustion engine as it is to developing new zero emission electric vehicles. The Micra DIG-S showcases how far our engineers have come.
It is clear that our new DIG-S engine offers the best solution for small cars like Micra. With instant throttle response, its performance and strong economy are a more than a match for any diesel engine with similar power outputs, but its emissions performance is much better.
We have been able to achieve this ultra low CO2 figure in a cost effective package and without the complication of particulate filters needed to clean up diesel engine emissions and which are not entirely compatible with a car that spends much of its life in the city.
—Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA
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| The Micra DIG-S. Click to enlarge. |
The three-cylinder configuration gives many benefits including less weight and further reductions in friction loss, thanks to having fewer moving parts. Further gains are made thanks to the adoption of advanced engine management systems with stop/start and energy regeneration.
Equipped with the DIG-S engine, the most popular version of the Micra, the Acenta, also promises low CO2 figures: 99 g/km with a manual.
The DIG-S will be given its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 3-13) with sales starting over the summer.
Europe-bound examples of the fourth generation Micra are built at an entirely new facility in India. It is also built in China, Mexico and Thailand and is sold in 160 countries around the world.
Launched late last year, the Micra is available in one body five-door body style, with three trim levels—Visia, Acenta and Tekna—and with a choice of two gasoline engines. As well as the DIG-S, there’s a normally aspirated version of the 1.2-liter engine, developing 59 kW (79 hp).