Saving on fuel with the new Nissan Micra

Nissan could have the answer to consumers who are feeling the pinch of a sluggish economy and the rising cost of living.

With volatile fuel prices one of the main factors, it makes sense to consider a more fuel-efficient car in these tough economic times.

A fuel-efficient car not only lessens the impact of our current circumstances on your wallet, it also contributes to a less energy intensive world – something we should all be actively working towards.

The all-new Nissan Micra 84 kW turbo has an impressive combined fuel consumption of 5 litres per 100km.

This thanks, in part at least, to a new DIG-T (Direct Injection Gasoline – Turbo) 84 kW engine, which features a number of technical innovations that allow the new Micra to deliver a spirited performance while at the same time maintaining high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

One of these innovations is the delta cylinder head. This world first for a 1.0-litre petrol engine, makes for a more compact and lightweight engine.

Another is the bore spray coating on the cylinders. Developed from the Nissan GT-R supercar, this is another world-first technology in the 1.0-litre petrol engine and reduces the friction in the cylinder, improves heat management and combustion, cuts weight and improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Tricks

Regardless of the car you’re driving, though, there are various ways in which you can reduce your fuel consumption.

For example, the lighter your car the less fuel it uses. Every extra kilogram affects fuel efficiency so be sure to unpack your car every evening and to keep your boot and back seat clear of things that add weight to your vehicle, such as sports equipment or luggage you’ve forgotten to unload.

You can also save fuel by driving in a higher gear as this lowers your engine speed which, in turn, improves fuel efficiency so use high gears, such as fifth and sixth, whenever possible and don’t let the revolutions per minute (or RPM) run too high before changing gears.

If you’re driving a petrol car, you should move up a gear at 2 500 RPM and if you’re driving a diesel car, 2 000 RPM.

Driving with your windows closed can also help you conserve fuel as this improves drag, as can keeping to the speed limit.

A few small changes to your driving behaviour can have a big impact on your car’s fuel consumption. But if you’re looking to make a bigger change, visit your nearest Nissan dealership to test drive the all-new Nissan Micra 84 kW Turbo, starting from R305 900. - MotorPress