Nissan re-launching tiny Micra in Canada; won’t be available in U.S.

MONTREAL—Japanese automaker Nissan said it plans to re-launch the sub-compact Micra nameplate in Canada after a 21-year hiatus.

Nissan Canada president Christian Meunier made the announcement at a special unveil in Montreal.

Not available in the United States, the automaker described the new Micra, which was last available on North American shores in the early 1990s, as “tailored specifically for Canadians,” with “an impressively low cost of ownership.”

While few details are available, Meunier said the vehicle will “change the automotive landscape” in Canada.

“Micra will provide Canadians with the unbeatable value, Japanese quality, European bold styling and fun driving experience that they deserve in a small car,” Meunier said in a brief release from the automaker.

While Nissan moved away from its small car mantra that made it a popular here, the automaker is looking to wade back into the supermini waters around the globe.

Nissan launched the tiny Versa Note, a smaller iteration of its Versa compact car, in 2012 to compete with offerings like the Honda Fit and Chevrolet Spark in North America.

The automaker is also going back to its roots in emerging markets, re-launching its Datsun name in countries like India, Indonesia and Russia.

More details on the Canadian-exclusive Micra will be provided at the Montreal Auto Show on Jan. 16, according to Nissan.