Nissan are now introducing a new petrol engine which produces just 95g/km of CO2 making it one of the lowest in the world today. Known as the DIG-S, the engine is a direct injection unit with a supercharger ? hence the name: Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger. 
The engine delivers a sparkling performance, frugal economy and exceptionally low emissions. It has been designed to meet and exceed the everyday driving demands of the modern world and is the ideal partner for Micra, Nissan's small city car. The Mica DIG-S will be given its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 3-13) with sales starting over the summer.
"Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel," said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA.
"We have been able to achieve this ultra low CO2 figure in a cost effective package and without the complication of particulate filters needed to clean up diesel engine emissions and which are not entirely compatible with a car that spends much of its life in the city."
Technical innovation has been packed into the engine. The DIG-S uses the Miller cycle and direct petrol injection to raise the compression ratio to 13 to 1 for greater combustion efficiency and a supercharger for instant throttle response and added power. As well as delivering ultra low CO2 emissions, the lightweight, low-friction 1,198cc three-cylinder unit produces the power expected from a conventional 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
The results are spectacular. The DIG-S engine produces 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm, while CO2 emissions are 95g/km for the manual version and 115 g/km for the CVT version. Maximum speed is 112mph for manual. Combined cycle fuel economy figures for the manual Visia version is 68.9mpg.
By minimising heat, friction and pumping losses as much as possible, Nissan's engineers have created an engine that sets the standard for the rest of the industry. Its three-cylinder configuration gives many benefits including less weight and further reductions in friction loss, thanks to having fewer moving parts. Further gains are made thanks to the adoption of advanced engine management systems with Start/Stop and energy regeneration.
This remarkable engine which adds to Nissan’s PURE DRIVE range, makes sub 100g/km emissions performance easily accessible while low cost of ownership make it a serious alternative to a comparable diesel, with the added bonus of greater refinement.
PURE DRIVE refers to a range of low CO2/low fuel consumption technologies for Nissans internal combustion engine vehicles. PURE DRIVE is the designation that Nissan gives to vehicles that exceed government standards for CO2 or fuel consumption in their regional markets. These vehicles use Nissan's most advanced technologies to deliver customers what Nissan believe is an optimal balance of low fuel consumption, low emissions and strong value.
For more information on the Nissan Micra range call SG Petch Nissan in Durham on freephone 0800 0787390.