• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2004 Nissan Micra C+C Preview

The Pint-Sized Retractable Hardtop

Remember the Nissan Micra? The K10 was a tiny little subcompact sold from 1982 to 1989 (1991 in Canada), with a faithful following due to its fun road-manners and stalwart reliability. In case you didnt know, after the model left North American shores it continued elsewhere as the K11 and most recently European award-winning K12. So why isnt it available here in the U.S.?

Thats a very good question considering the Japanese brands number one rival imports its European market Yaris as the Toyota Echo in 4-door form. Korean competitors offer subcompact models too, such as the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio, and the Chevy Aveo if were talking about where the cars are made and not where the automaker keeps its head office.

In European markets

Due to its fun road-manners and stalwart reliability, the original 1982 to 1989 Micra was a hit. (Photo: Nissan North America)

Nissan offers a cute little 3-door Micra hatchback as well as a 5-door variant, both of which would fit the North America market perfectly, especially now that fuel prices have lept and bounded beyond reason. The model is arguably better looking than the majority of its competition, which would also be the case here.

But how would a subcompact convertible fit into the scheme of things? Suzuki tried it a few years back with its drop-top Swift, but it went over about as well as the brands Vitara coupe

The Micra C+C sports a retractable hardtop, similar in context to the folding roof on the Mercedes-Benz SLK and SL models, as well as Cadillacs XLR and the Lexus SC 430. (Photo: Nissan North America)

- i.e. not well at all. But Nissans Micra C+C hardtop convertible is much more upscale than the Suzuki offering, despite its similar overall dimensions.

Expected to become available in Europe by 2005, the little Micra sports a retractable hardtop, similar in context to the folding roof on the Mercedes-Benz SLK and SL models, as well as Cadillacs XLR and the Lexus SC 430. While Hyundai shocked Geneva auto show goers with its retractable-hardtop Tiburon earlier this year, and French carmaker Peugeot is already producing its compact convertible hardtop 206 CC, no automaker

The convertible C+C takes the Micras already sassy attitude to a new extreme. (Photo: Nissan North America)

has ever attempted to apply the technology to a vehicle as small as the Micra.

With increasing demand for affordable, practical convertibles the decision to build the C+C is great news for Europeans. A brainchild of Nissans European arm, together with specialty coach builder Karmann, the Micra C+C gets a strong metal and glass roof, plus what is reported to be quick opening and closing operation.

The regular 3- and 5-door Micra is one of the cheekiest, most cheerful-looking vehicles in its category, but the convertible version takes that sassy attitude to a new level. Most of its lines have remained unchanged from hatch to al fresco, including its headlamps which are stretched lengthwise to the hood,

Its odd to see the Micra transformed into a convertible, as hatchbacks are some of the hardest vehicles to convert, but Nissan pulls it off. (Photo: Nissan North America)

chiseled fenders, solid ledges plus inset tail panel.

The removal of the roof has resulted in a trunklid that has an uncanny resemblance to the BMW 5, 6 and 7-series. It features a flat lid that drops off squarely, meeting up with dramatically curving fenders. Its odd to see the Micra transformed into a convertible, as hatchbacks are some of the hardest vehicles to convert. It usually comes down to the need to create an entirely new rear end. Whatever the difficulty, Nissan seems to have overcome it as the Micra C+C looks fresh and current.

Some say that its the fine details that truly create and characterize a vehicle. With that in mind the Micra C+C has a few tricks up its sleeve that easily differentiate it from other Micras, retractable roof or not. A new lower valance with a prominent front

Nissan has upped the quality of materials and interior styling of the Micra convertible. (Photo: Nissan North America)

lip will be easily apparent to those who know the 3- or 5-door, while integrated projector beam fog lamps are fitted into the lower grille. The upper grille houses new thin turn signals. Along the sides of the mirrors are Mercedes-Benz-esque indicators.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo