Originally Posted by
UltArc
One concern is that like JCPenny tried, and Scion, the low price is not going to take off. Some people will buy a car no matter what, some people need to feel like they are getting a deal. I hope Nissan keeps going, but does one feel like they are getting a better deal when they get a Micra for under 10k, or a Spark for under 10k? Even if the Micra was better in everywhere, the more expensive one becomes the "better deal."
I take that sentiment a step further. I believe the Micra will sell due more to its history than its price. For example, the Spark is cheaper than the Fiat 500, but the people who would buy a Fiat 500 aren't lured by the Spark's cheaper price. They are two completely different markets. Frankly, I've always felt that the Micra belongs in the same class of small car as the Fiat 500, not the Spark.
Another example I'd like to point out is the Toyota Yaris. Again, a person who would buy a Yaris is generally not going to be interested in a Spark at any price. I consider the Micra to be closer to the Yaris than the Spark.
Perhaps I feel as though the Micra is a car with a history like the Fiat 500, and reliability like the Yaris, and rounds out that end of the market nicely. I almost feel as though Nissan is making a mistake with its low entry price, but perhaps it's just part of a marketing gimmick to draw attention.
In our culture obsessed with absurd excess, the Nissan Micra is my counterculture car of choice.
Be sure to visit my blog at
mymicra.com!
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View my fuel log 2015 Micra SV manual: 6.4 L/100 km ... 44.3 mpg (Imp) ... 15.7 km/L ... 36.9 mpg (US) ...