Test Drive: Nissan March 2011 MT

JOGJAKARTA - Nissan March 2011, the latest mini hatchback PT Nissan Motor Indonesia (MNI), likely will start selling in late November 2010. Although NMI refused, the presence of March in the National Market will bersnggungan with the Suzuki Splash, Chevrolet Spark, even the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz.

Although not yet officially launched, but last weekend NMI has invited a number of journalists, including vegacar.blogspot.com, March test drive with a route as far as 580 km from Jakarta to Jogjakarta. On this occasion vegacar.blogspot.com grabbed the chance to try out the performance of a manual transmission model, which is planned priced at Rp 140 million (also available automatic transmission model).
Here are the results of the Nissan March vegacar.blogspot.com impressions:

Design
March exterior design of this fourth generation mengotak seen more than its predecessor. There was no touch of groove designs that stand out or extreme designs like the genre of modern small cars today. Look at the headlights are made with rounded oval design. This design makes it thick with typical small cars from Japan in the era of the 90s. The stern is also very minimalist design, small rear lights, bumper round and use the spoiler above.
The condition also vegacar.blogspot.com minimalist feel when melongkok into the cabin. With black domination, March suited for vehicles that do not have to worry daily easy to look dirty. Luckily the audio in-dash action capable of producing the impression of a modern dashboard. Matching is more enjoyable because it dared to equip the wheel of Nissan's three-bar model with leather wrapping.
In addition, metercluster with Multi Information Dispaly (MID), which could indicate fuel, clock, and trip mileage, also push up the side of modernity. Unfortunately, the quality of the plastic material on the dashboard was not a special, even a less smooth surface.

Performance
March DOHC engine equipped with a 3-cylinder 1.2-liter capacity. This machine is throwing power 79 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque of 102 Nm at 4400 rpm. Performance is less with the Chevrolet Spark and Suzuki Splash which will become a competitor in its segment.
Meanwhile, to stop all four wheels use drum brakes (rear) and ventilated discs (front).
At least this condition is felt when vegacar.blogspot.com launching this car from the toll Cikampek to Indramayu, West Java. Along that path, vegacar.blogspot.com find an equivalent performance and functionality for small-sized car March. Speed ​​of 100 km / hour can be achieved even cars will be assembled in Indonesia. Braking force, and accuracy provided is also quite safe, although not exactly super-perfect.
Do not miss an accurate impression of the steering system is shown. Lightweight, and contains a driving has produced characters who are easy to understand. At high speeds the steering is not wild March, and he will behave when we need a parking light.

Unfortunately, the manual transmission system is less able to cooperate with the driver. Movements up and down the transmission of us felt too loud for the size of a car as small as March. This condition is increasingly making driving comfort reduced because after 100 km / h acceleration levels began heavy and sound distinctive roar of the engine start loud 3-cylinder car.
However, vibrating machine that usually appear in 3-cylinder engine can be reduced with good thanks Outer Balancer features.
Lucky March gave spontaneous acceleration in lower engine speed. Because of this stability, vegacar.blogspot.com always feel confident when you overtake the vehicle in front, even when on the track uphill in the vicinity of Bumiayu.

Comfort
vegacar.blogspot.com really understand the limitations of space owned small cars like March. Therefore, we would not immediately give a negative value in this five-passenger car.
For the average size of Asia, a distance of leg room and head in the front seat had to give a fairly good distance. Knee does not stick to the dashboard and the ceiling is not tersundul head of hair. This results in a comfort for driver and front passenger's motion is not constrained.

Comfort level in the back seat is also quite comfortable. While your feet can not be placed too far forward, but the distance above the knee and head room provides enough space. However, comfort may be sacrificed when the rear bench seat three adults.
Our advice, when March made the family car, think first how big the size of your family member's body. When the average family member's body is too big, and you often go together, consider cooking to buy this city car. Especially if this car will be often used for long trips.