SPIED: Is this a new B-segment Nissan on test?

nissan-renault-mystery-mule

Our spy photographers managed to spot this strange looking test mule that is using some derivative of a Nissan Note body in Southern Europe. From the pictures, it looks like it has shorter rear doors and a wider track. It has French-registered number plates, and was apparently seen coming out of a Renault test garage.

So, what exactly is the story with this vehicle? Some quarters are suggesting that it could it be a prototype for a small car platform that may spawn cars like the next-gen Renault Clio or Nissan Micra.

As we reported earlier, there are plans for a new Nissan Micra based on the Nissan Sway concept, and since the collaboration between Nissan and Renault is quite close, especially with the Renault-Nissan CMF modular architecture, what we could be seeing here is a Nissan Micra based on the CMF-B platform.

nissan-renault-mystery-mule-7

Since it’s a bit too early for a Renault Clio refresh (it has not even gone through its mid-life facelift), it will be an educated guess that this could be a test mule of the Micra. Based on our earlier article, Trevor Mann, chief performance officer at Nissan Europe, said that the Micra will get a boost in terms of quality, with a more serious look and discard its bubbly design. More importantly, it will also be bigger in size.

If the Nissan Micra does move up in size, would it be formidable enough to take on more established models like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo? Well, only time will tell.

Nissan Sway Concept

Current Nissan Micra

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Anil Prabha

Anil Prabha has always been a petrol head. He also has a strange knack for remembering car models and their respective registration plates. Naturally aspirated engines are always better than turbocharged or supercharged ones, in his opinion. Ultimately, he believes that there is nothing better in life than just going for a drive.

 

Comments

  • It looks exactly like the existing Nissan Note.

    Maybe it is a new platform, same design.
    if a Micra upSize, it is Nissan Note’s territory.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • kadajawi (Member) on Sep 28, 2015 at 8:13 am

      More likely it is a very early prototype, and they don’t want to spill the beans on the new design/aren’t ready yet. Still want to start testing the underpinnings, so the solution is to put the Note shell on top of it. It is a common thing to do in the car industry. Even Porsche and Ferrari do it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I rather take Proton. Nissan is for losers. Proton is better in quality and it is halal.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 33
    • Yes RBA john! Better take Iriz than unsafe Almera. But for C-segment, either Preve/Suprima or new Sylphy is okay, depending on your budget.

      Its great that RBAs have now agreed that a safer Proton is better than an unsafe Nissan/Toyota.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 8
    • Why the need for such response…just to drag and inviting negative comment on Proton…sigh

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Fardilah on Sep 25, 2015 at 7:50 pm

    They shud make a almera hatchback

    Shud be nice

    Way better than the junk iriz

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • pengguna proton kecewa on Sep 26, 2015 at 12:15 am

    Myvi front n Iriz side.weird that Nissan took inspiration from msia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • car addict on Sep 26, 2015 at 1:02 am

    Datsun h/back lorrr…indonesia so many on the road

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Nissan on Sep 26, 2015 at 11:21 am

    Note is finally here

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • can challenge daihatsu FX concept.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Battu on Sep 28, 2015 at 9:26 am

    Hey paultan, just want to know, what do you mean by our spy photographer? do you actually have staff spying at europe all the time?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required