This sketch of an upcoming global compact hatchback was released by NIssan yesterday. Being a global model, it’s expected to be a low cost and economical run-about suitable for sale in emerging markets but also with the potential of being kitted up for sale in more established markets.
There are definitely certain things about the car’s styling that makes you automatically assume this is the next generation Nissan March/Micra. The current March is available both as a hatchback and a convertible, competing head to head with the Colt which has the same bodytypes.
Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. announced that the model will qualify as Thailand’s first “Eco-car.” The Eco-car program basically gives tax-breaks to companies that develop and make energy-efficient vehicles in Thailand. The car will go into production May next year.
To be eligible for the program, the car has to achieve at least 20km per litre, and put out less than 120g/km of CO2. The engine has to be smaller than 1.3 litres if petrol-powered and 1.4 litres if diesel powered. What you get is a 50% cut in excise duty, no income tax for 8 years, and no import duty for your factory machinery imports.
The Eco-car project is basically Thailand’s bid to switch its auto-hub status to something more than just a pick-up hub – it wants to build and export fuel efficient compact cars too and the carmakers seem to be signing on in droves – Honda, Suzuki, Nissan, etc. However only Nissan has announced its eco-car so far, while the rest are still a WIP.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.
look much better than viva or myvi…
Thailand is definitely heading the right way.
Pity us losing again with Thailand. Thank to NAP cronies favour policy.
Maybe the next Nissan March.
Proton never release their new model sketch. It is a good marketing strategy actually, as people can see how the new model could look like before the actual car.
Btw, this car looks nice on paper. Wonder how the actual car will look like.
y look like yaris since tilda or latio sport's design not bad. http://www.nissan.com.sg/latiolatiosportdsrleafle…
"What you get is a 50% cut in excise duty, no income tax for 8 years, and no import duty for your factory machinery imports"
Paul, does this apply (to car companies) in Malaysia?
“What you get is a 50% cut in excise duty, no income tax for 8 years, and no import duty for your factory machinery imports”
Should be here:
What you get is a 50% non-negotiable fixed excise duty, unspecified years of cronies tax, import duty included for cronies' factory machinery imports.
That's the policy of NAP – NEVER AGAINST PROTON!
nothing interesting with the sketch…
From the 3quarter front view, the sides and "shoulder" area it looks alot like the Toyota Aygo. From the 3quarter rear view it is almost a photocopy of the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa.
I do believe Nissan could come up with something better than this…
the scheme is just what we need in our industry, 50 percent tax break, and no import duties for parts.
Looks like mini Murano to me.
Hope it is a 5-door car too.