The original Micra (chassis name K10) was introduced in October 1982 as a challenger to the Honda City, and Toyota Starlet. It was intended to replace the Nissan Cherry as the company's competitor in the supermini sector, as the Cherry model sold in Europe had progressively become larger with each successive generation. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Cherry store locations, as the Japanese market Cherry was renamed March. The bodystyle was originally designed for Fiat as a replacement for the Fiat 127, but Fiat then adopted theGiugiaro styled Uno instead.[1] It was introduced in the European market in 1983, and in Canada in 1984 for the 1985 model year (replacing the slightly larger Nissan Pulsar hatchbacks).
Because the Micra was launched during Nissan's rebranding effort to systematically phase out the Datsunname, a small "Datsun" (ダットサン Dattosan?) appeared on the tailgate for the first two years, and in some European markets, the car was known as the "Datsun-Nissan Micra". The Datsun badges had disappeared completely by the end of 1984. The Micra was initially available with an extremely refined all-aluminium MA10S SOHC engine, developing 50PS or 55PS in the high compression version. It was also available with either automatic or 5-speed gearbox, both of which were unusual in a supermini at this time.[2]
Because the Micra was launched during Nissan's rebranding effort to systematically phase out the Datsunname, a small "Datsun" (ダットサン Dattosan?) appeared on the tailgate for the first two years, and in some European markets, the car was known as the "Datsun-Nissan Micra". The Datsun badges had disappeared completely by the end of 1984. The Micra was initially available with an extremely refined all-aluminium MA10S SOHC engine, developing 50PS or 55PS in the high compression version. It was also available with either automatic or 5-speed gearbox, both of which were unusual in a supermini at this time.[2]
It was one of several major small cars to be launched onto the European market during 1983. Also launched that year were the Fiat Uno, Peugeot 205, Vauxhall Nova (a Britain-only model which had been launched in Spainthe previous year as the Opel Corsa) and the second generation of theFord Fiesta.
The model was revised in June 1985, identifiable by the slightly larger rear lamp clusters. The Japanese market saw the debut of the first Micra Turbo/MA10ET, where Nissan grafted a turbocharger to the small 1.0 L engine. Another facelift came in March 1989, which consisted of some minor upgrades such as deeper bumpers, a new front grille, minor interior details, and headlight changes. It also saw the introduction of an electronically controlled carburettor, the larger MA12 1.2 L engine with 60 PS (44 kW/59 hp) and a 5-door hatchback version.
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