Nissan’s 69 MPG (Euro) Car

Nissan's 69 MPG gasoline powered Micra DIG-S

Nissan’s state of gasoline engine development

Debuted at the Geneva show this year, the Nissan Micra DIG-S holds promise for the future – at least for Europeans.

While too small for many Americans to consider, the Micra has been a big seller for Nissan globally, with this being the fourth generation. Europe-bound vehicles will be built at an all new facility built in India. Micra is also built in China, Mexico and Thailand, and is sold in 160 countries. That’s why this news is so exciting – for the impact that it can make globally.

DIG-S stands for Direct Injection Gasoline – Supercharged. This three-cylinder variant produces 97 horsepower and 105 lbs-ft of torque from a tiny 1.2 liter powerplant. Advanced technology includes a start/stop feature that shuts the engine down when the vehicle comes to a stop. The result? 68.9 miles per gallon on the European test cycle with extremely low emissions. With a top speed of 112 miles per hour (which most people driving this vehicle will never even get close to approaching) the Micra DIG-S could make a suitable LEAF alternative for those with longer range driving needs than LEAF can currently accommodate. Now if they could only do something about that styling.