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HOW CITY CARS ARE TAKING OVER THE WORLD
| Date: 13 Sep 2018 |
Author Type: Press Release |
| Author: Nissan South Africa |
| Source: Nissan South Africa |
ROSSLYN, South Africa
(September 12, 2018) For
many years, city cars struggled to win over significant numbers of buyers due
to the misconception that they were unsafe and that small engines were
underpowered. Consumers felt that bigger was not only better, but it was more
secure too. Now, however, city cars feature cutting edge safety technology and
their ongoing evolution has resulted in increased sales across the world.
According to global sales data for the first quarter of 2018, compact city car
sales increased by almost two percent.
Cost of ownership
Vehicle
costs extend further than the monthly hire purchase. The total cost of
ownership includes fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance and other variable
costs. Compact hatchbacks score well in this regard as everything from the
actual cost of the car to insurance and maintenance is, on average, cheaper
than medium and large vehicles.
The
all-new Nissan Micra, which is revolutionising the Upper B hatchback segment,
has a phenomenal combined fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100km and comes
with a comprehensive 6-year/150,000km warranty; a 3-year/90,000km service plan;
and 24/7 roadside assistance.
The
fuel efficiency of city cars, particularly those with small-capacity,
turbo-charged engines are constantly improving and some compact cars are even
on par with petrol-electric hybrids, which record very low consumption. “The
fuel efficiency of city cars such as the Micra can’t be overstated as there
have been several fuel price increases throughout the year that have had a
negative impact on all consumers and especially those with large, fuel-guzzling
vehicles,” said Alda Gildenhuys, Nissan SA Passenger Vehicles Product Manager.
Smart technology
Modern compact cars come with a raft of
innovative technological advancements from those that keep you connected to the
world around you to those that prioritise passenger safety.
The 7-inch touch-screen colour display on the
Nissan Micra Acenta and Acenta Plus allows the driver to access features such
as music, messages and maps through Apple CarPlay. When an iPhone is connected
via an Apple lightning cable, it offers users Siri voice control, Apple maps
with turn-by-turn navigation, access to music, telephone services and other apps
such as Audiobooks and Spotify.
Standard across the Micra range are six airbags,
seat belt warnings and seat belt height adjustment for the front and rear.
Isofix child seats are also standard in the new Micra, including in the front
passenger seat and electronic safety systems include Vehicle Dynamic Control,
Anti-locking Braking System, and Hill Start Assist.
Ergonomics
are vitally important in this segment and the Nissan Micra sets new standards
with a rake/reach-adjustable steering wheel and lowered front seats, which
result in exceptional headroom for taller occupants.
Freedom to have fun
Arguably,
one of the most important aspects about city cars is their price point and the
fact that they provide freedom of movement for first-time car buyers. The dream
of buying a car when you’re just starting your first job is something everyone
experiences.
Owning
a car, particularly in a country where the public transit system isn’t fully
developed, allows you to take charge of your life and make your mark. City cars
also prove extremely useful for entrepreneurs who need to get moving to achieve
their goals.
Of
course, a large number of up-and-coming buyers are young and require cars that
are not only reliable, and safe, but are also exciting and fun to drive.
The
new Nissan Micra has a 66kW, 140Nm turbo-charged petrol engine that delivers
driving pleasure, outstanding practicality and incredible fuel efficiency.
Whether it’s zipping around through grid-locked traffic, or on long stretches
of open road, the Micra delivers new levels of performance and comfort.
The
Micra also benefits from an extensive personalisation programme with features
and colours that are developed to enhance the car’s funky, yet sophisticated
interior and exterior design language.
Given
that compact cars offer everything we’ve come to expect from much more
expensive, bigger vehicles and that they allow you to save money without
sacrificing important features, is it any wonder that they’re taking over the
world?