The world car: Nissan certainly isn't the first to try it, but with its new V (for versatile) platform strategy it hopes to develop a supermini sophisticated enough for European markets and inexpensive enough for emerging ones. It's a bold plan, though Nissan has been working since 2005 on the structure that will underpin its new supermini model.

In Britain the new car platform will feature on the Micra replacement, with a mini-MPV following. It's unlikely that the UK will get the small saloon also being developed; three-box cars have traditionally been big sellers in Asian marketplaces where they're considered more desirable than their hatchback alternatives. To achieve its global goals Nissan's new cars will be built locally to their markets, with as much as 90 percent of their components being sourced at their production plant. Nissan is forecasting one million sales annually of V-platform based cars.

The platform has a limit of five passengers, 1,600kg and engine outputs of up to 148lb.ft of torque. Weight reduction has been key in the new floorpan's development, Nissan simplifying systems like the exhaust to remove 3.2kg of weight, while structural enhancements like kinking the main frame rails have allowed a reduction of 10kg overall, the entire car weighing some 80kg less than its equivalent today. The loss of weight allows a smaller fuel tank, this in turn enhancing the packaging. Noritaka Tsusu, described as the V platform's 'Godfather', claims that the V platform "will shape Nissan's future".

With the A- and B-segment growing at an unprecedented rate the new V-platform models should tap into increased demand. There will be two different wheelbases with 60-70 percent carry over components between all the different models. Weight loss traditionally causes NVH issues, but Nissan claims that the tuned chassis structure, as well as chevron style channels on the roof panel, are all instrumental in adding to the V-platform car's refinement.

Car Enthusiast got a sneak preview of the new Micra at Nissan's technical briefing in Japan, it not as dramatic-looking in the metal as the preview sketches promise. It looks smaller than the current Micra, particularly in width, while the styling is less adventurous and the detailing simpler. Compared to modern superminis it looks small, though if Nissan can deliver the interior space it's promising then that shouldn't be an issue.

Power will come from a range of engines headed up by a new three-cylinder unit boasting low friction internals to aid efficiency. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel will also feature, Nissan having also engineered a compact CVT transmission. Keno Kato, Nissan's Segment Chief Product Specialist, says: "it'll be a global market car from the beginning, not just for developed markets then engineered for developing markets." Underlining this is the fact that Nissan will launch the car in Thailand first; it expected to make its European debut at the Geneva show next March.

Kyle Fortune - 27 Oct 2009