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Nissan Confirms New Subcompact for 2007

Next Generation Sentra to Arrive Summer of 2006

Hyundai, Kia and Toyota have long since offered inexpensive subcompact vehicles to U.S. consumers, models which now include the Accent, Rio and Echo respectively.

The market segment is truly taking off due to low entry costs and high fuel prices, so therefore much speculation has been made as to which automaker would be next. Honda has announced it will enter the segment with something smaller than the Civic in the near future, while Mitsubishi could really

Due to its fun road-manners and stalwart reliability, the original 1982 to 1991 Micra was a hit. (Photo: Nissan North America)

use its stylish Colt to boost overall sales. Nevertheless, the official announcement came from Nissan on Wednesday, that it would bring back a model to North America that it was once extremely successful with, the Micra.

It wont be coming in 2005, however, or for that matter

Nissan says by the time 2007 arrives we will see a completely redesigned version of the Micra hatchback available here in North America. (Photo: Nissan North America)

2006, but Nissan says by the time 2007 arrives we will see a completely redesigned version of the Micra/March (Japan/ Europe) hatchback, or at least something similar, head our way.

"Were excited about these new opportunities to expand our presence in the compact-car segment," commented Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. "Nissan started in North America with compact cars and trucks, and were

The next generation of the Nissan Sentra should arrive in the summer of 2006. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

confident these new vehicles will build on that heritage."

Nissan stressed that the new subcompact would not replace the Sentra, bur rather strengthen its new car offerings by allowing those with less money to purchase a new car with all the benefits that go along with it.

Before the Micra - if that is what Nissan eventually calls it - arrives, a new Sentra will be introduced next summer, as a 2006 model. Nissan says that the new Sentra will remain the automakers core compact passenger car in North America, and will be designed to meet the high expectations compact car buyers now expect in this class.

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)

New compacts have improved in performance and interior quality in recent years, now arguably led by the Mazda3.

Nissans Aguascalientes Plant in Mexico will continue to build the Sentra, and also remain as the only Sentra plant the world over.

The question that remains is whether Nissan is looking at the North American compact car market in the same light as it does the European. Overseas it offers a well-equipped convertible subcompact it calls the C+C (see New Vehicle Reviews archive under Nissan for December 30, 2003: 2004 Nissan Micra C+C Preview). It offers open-air touring with an upscale interior package, the kinds of attributes that could help lure more North American into the compact segment. Just how Nissan plans to target the compact market wont be answered until 2007 however.

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