Nissan Micra III (K12) photos

Unveiled in 2002, the K12 generation marked a dramatic stylistic and engineering departure from the conservative K11 series. It was the inaugural vehicle built on the newly developed Renault-Nissan Alliance B platform, which provided a longer wheelbase, greater structural rigidity, and a tall, arched roofline with distinctive oval headlamps seated atop the front fenders. In addition to the core three-door and five-door hatchback body styles, Nissan expanded the lineup in 2005 with the Micra C+C, a two-plus-two coupe-convertible featuring a folding glass hardtop engineered in collaboration with Karmann. Compared to the previous generation, the K12 introduced a new family of aluminum CR-series 16-valve petrol engines in 1.0-liter, 1.2-liter, and 1.4-liter displacements equipped with variable valve timing, alongside a punchy 1.6-liter HR16DE petrol unit for the warm-hatch 160SR trim. European buyers were also offered Renault-sourced 1.5-liter dCi common-rail turbodiesel engines. These powertrains were paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission, while Japanese domestic market March variants also utilized CVT units and an optional e-4WD electric rear-wheel-drive assistance system. Facelifts in 2005 and 2007 brought tougher bumper inserts, a revised front grille with chrome accents, upgraded interior fabrics, and high-end convenience features such as keyless entry and start. Built in the UK for Europe and in Japan for domestic and regional sales, the K12 was a staple of the supermini segment.