Nissan March

[rixalex]

In normal circumstances you can get a few extras thrown on, so a mid-range model like the one keemapoot mentions, wouldn't be too different from the top model. This being a brand new car though, extras might be hard to haggle for.

Either way, i'd still go with keemapoot's choice just because i hate losing money (don't we all?) and top of the range cars always suffer the worst depreciation - admittedly not that great in Thailand, but still a consideration.

Anyway, good luck with your new cars guys.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Thanks, just curious,why would you buy a top line-model, as the price is approaching Jazz?

Because it has dual airbags and ABS, as well as the electronic goodies such as a parking sensor, climate control, etc?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

- Honestly.. it's the climate control, keyless entry/start button, package that I'm more interested in, unfortunately, it happens to be in the top-line model.

Well.. right, if you want that specific combination then you're indeed looking at the top model. It's like this:

1.2 S MT model - 375,000 - Absolutely <deleted>-all in there, Mickey Mouse seats. Avoid.

1.2 E MT model - 425,000 - Quite decent, affordable and common sense: manual shift, proper seats, adjustable steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors, driver air bag, CD/MP3 player with AUX input for your iPod.

1.2 E CVT - 459,000 - Same as above, but with CVT auto box.

1.2 EL CVT - 489,000 - "The Gadget Freak Package" As above, but includes the start button and immobilizer-key, central lock, parking-sensors in the rear bumper, and side mirrors that fold away when parking. Also includes a little display that tells you your mileage, how far you can still go at a recommended speed, and even includes a 'Happy Birthday' reminder when it's your birthday, and a 'coffee' display reminder to take a break after a long drive. I'm not making this up.

1.2 V CVT - 507,000 - "The Responsible Family Man Package" This one does NOT include the start button, sensors, fold-away ears and digital lunacy, but DOES include automatic climate control and better safety gear: ABS, EBD, and a passenger side airbag, and is on 15" alloy wheels instead of the 14" steel ones that all models above have. Does however have a remote-door opener on the key.

1.2 VL - 537,000 -"The Kitchen Sink Package" Includes all options mentioned above.

So that's a pretty sensible range I'd say. If you want to spend less than the top model then you get to make a choice between the electronic gadgetry pack, or the safety pack.

I think they're all good value except for the bare bones base model; the seats are absolutely atrocious.

Edited March 25, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[indothai]

Aren't the seats the same on all the models?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

No, the seats are most definitely not the same in all models.

( Probably they're the same in all models, except the base one. )

The brochure mentions this as well. It doesn't however mention just how crappy the seats are in the base model! It has to be seen to be believed.

[indothai]

No, the seats are most definitely not the same in all models.

( Probably they're the same in all models, except the base one. )

The brochure mentions this as well. It doesn't however mention just how crappy the seats are in the base model! It has to be seen to be believed.

Thanks for the tip ! I've got a couple of friends looking to buy one and I will definetly mention this.

[rixalex]

The model that i saw was the 1.2 E MT. The seats looked thin and flimsy, and the material looked cheap. Not much more advanced than deckchairs really. If those were the good seats, i'd hate to think what the bad ones look like!

[CWMcMurray]

We went to the motor show and ended up going for the March Top Line model. They were really not looking to "deal", pretty much take it or leave it. The only "freebie" we were able to get was Tinted windows.

That being said, we looked at all of the different models in the lower end price range i.e. Mada 2 (sedan and hatch back), vios, Yaris, Jazz, City, Aveo, Cherry, et... and the wife liked the March the best.

The top end March is the same price as the bottom end models of the rest and has all of the safety features that are only offered in the top models of the others, so I am happy as well.

[indothai]

We went to the motor show and ended up going for the March Top Line model. They were really not looking to "deal", pretty much take it or leave it. The only "freebie" we were able to get was Tinted windows.

That being said, we looked at all of the different models in the lower end price range i.e. Mada 2 (sedan and hatch back), vios, Yaris, Jazz, City, Aveo, Cherry, et... and the wife liked the March the best.

The top end March is the same price as the bottom end models of the rest and has all of the safety features that are only offered in the top models of the others, so I am happy as well.

Congrats on the choice !!!

Wife and I are also getting the top-line model. Infact, we booked in-line for ours 2 months ago. The first time we heard about it was back during the December Motor Show in 2009 at the Nissan booth, back then they were only giving out flyers.

I think the dealers are getting "flooded" with "in-line" booking, which is why you're not getting much of a deal.

Questions:

- When will you be getting your delivery?

- Did you add on any other accessories to the top-line model?

- Why the top-line, and not the model below the top-line, or the base automatic model?

We also compared different models (the ones you mentioned above), the price-point was just too hard to argue with. Combine the quality, price, and name brand.. very hard to argue with.

I felt kinda sad/sorry for the other brands that they are missing out on the fun... Was watching the Mazda booth with Pe Arak and he kept mentioning that the Mazda 2 consumes very little gas., kept mentioning so many times. Then Honda had their Honda Small Concept car on show... dealer lady said it will be out "next year"... I asked if we can place a booking..... she said no... and looked very sad. Concept car.. looked HOT, but sadly... when was the last time anyone saw a concept car become reality line-by-line.

I definetly liked the Mazda 2 and the styling.... but man.. the price of the March was just hard to beat!

Anyways.. the only thing that I don't like about the March now, is that it's taking too slow to arrive.

[rixalex]

The Mazda 2 should have been priced somewhere between the March and the City/Jazz/Vios/Yaris to make it competitive. Mazda 2 sales are doing ok now but i predict will drop off sharply.

Nissan is setting a trend with the March, much as in Europe the likes of Peugeot did with the 106. Nissan deserve the success that they will surely get and i hope they cash in quickly before the other manufactorers get in on the action, as no doubt (and hopefully for the consumer) they will do.

The car market is getting stronger in Thailand. Thank goodness.

[keemapoot]

We ordered a new March on Monday and it will arrive in a couple weeks. Evidently delivery is no problem for the 425,000 Baht version, as wife's sister ordered one at the same time.

I did test drive the 5-speed manual and it is quite fun and surprisingly speedy. The fit and finish is good, again, and like us, many are buying one as an extra car for around town. The dealer was very busy with people only stopping to see the March seemingly. Stereo is not great, but adequate as one would expect. I'll report back how it does at highway driving next month.

[stingray]

Oh God, i couln'd driver something like this and i would never spend a penny for that. In this case i feel better to drive on a platinum Motorbike.

[rixalex]

Oh God, i couln'd driver something like this and i would never spend a penny for that. In this case i feel better to drive on a platinum Motorbike.

Cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to drive, reliable, minimal depreciation... what's not to like? It is what it is.

[indothai]

We ordered a new March on Monday and it will arrive in a couple weeks. Evidently delivery is no problem for the 425,000 Baht version, as wife's sister ordered one at the same time.

I did test drive the 5-speed manual and it is quite fun and surprisingly speedy. The fit and finish is good, again, and like us, many are buying one as an extra car for around town. The dealer was very busy with people only stopping to see the March seemingly. Stereo is not great, but adequate as one would expect. I'll report back how it does at highway driving next month.

Congrats !!!

They are producing the manual version first. The auto's will be available around June.

Edited March 31, 2010 by indothai

[keemapoot]

Oh God, i couln'd driver something like this and i would never spend a penny for that. In this case i feel better to drive on a platinum Motorbike.

I'm a car lover too, and have a few special cars. Mostly I bought the March for my wife to drive to work every day. She is a terrible parker, and anything larger than an eco car results in scraped wheels, etc..

[stingray]

Oh God, i couln'd driver something like this and i would never spend a penny for that. In this case i feel better to drive on a platinum Motorbike.

Cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to drive, reliable, minimal depreciation... what's not to like? It is what it is.

I not complain about small cars. i know, not everyone like big cars (like me). But is there no possibility to design something nicer, just a example below. I prefere 100 times more a little Hyundai SCoupe. It's at least a nice design for a small car! Not crappy at all. Pleae understand that i don't make any promos about my self as i sold the car already. But this design is from the early 90ties and look and feel at least like a real car.

[rixalex]

I not complain about small cars. i know, not everyone like big cars (like me). But is there no possibility to design something nicer, just a example below. I prefere 100 times more a little Hyundai SCoupe. It's at least a nice design for a small car! Not crappy at all. Pleae understand that i don't make any promos about my self as i sold the car already. But this design is from the early 90ties and look and feel at least like a real car.

Horses for courses mate.

Cars like that Hyundai S Coupe i have always disliked because they pretend to be something they are not.

The Nissan March doesn't pretend to be anything. It's a simple city run-around. Nothing to get excited about but it will do what it says on the packet.

[ignis]

Cars like that Hyundai S Coupe i have always disliked because they pretend to be something they are not.

It is not a car I fit in, also remember the saying ‘it’s a poor man’s xyz’

But it cost a fraction of the price to buy, to run and maintain + had 5 yr warranty, main line cars at that time had 1 yr.

Going to the present day the NEW HYUNDAI SONATA you have to look twice as from the back anyway it looks to be a Honda Accord, the H1 looks like the Benz,.

On the other hand the new 2010 Hyundai Tucson looks different, but @ 1.8 million… look again and it has all the kit of a Range Rover

[stingray]

I not complain about small cars. i know, not everyone like big cars (like me). But is there no possibility to design something nicer, just a example below. I prefere 100 times more a little Hyundai SCoupe. It's at least a nice design for a small car! Not crappy at all. Pleae understand that i don't make any promos about my self as i sold the car already. But this design is from the early 90ties and look and feel at least like a real car.

Horses for courses mate.

Cars like that Hyundai S Coupe i have always disliked because they pretend to be something they are not.

The Nissan March doesn't pretend to be anything. It's a simple city run-around. Nothing to get excited about but it will do what it says on the packet.

Hyundai S Coupe or Honda Civic Coupe, all the same, 4 banger 1.5 liter, but Hundai for half price. I don't mean it have to look the same, but i wouldn't buy a car who look ugly. Classicval Example is the new Proton NEO (not the Savy). The Neo starts for 499'000 Baht and look and feels like a real car.

[rixalex]

Hyundai S Coupe or Honda Civic Coupe, all the same, 4 banger 1.5 liter, but Hundai for half price.

Hyundais in the 80s and 90s were renowned for being of terribly poor quality. I remember a work colleague proudly buying a new Hyundai Pony. He wasn't proud for very long. Despite being brand new bits fell off most weeks.

So perhaps this has something to do with why the S Coupe is that much cheaper than the Civic Coupe? Anyway, it's not really the point i was making. The point i was making is that you said you would never be seen dead in a March because you don't consider it to be a proper car. To me, the March is just a simple run around that doesn't pretend to be anything it is not. I would have no problem driving it.

Family saloon cars that the manufactorers throw some go-faster stripes on, fit drilled pedals to and a few spoilers, up the price and then sell as supposedly "high performance" are a bit of a sad joke.

[Pdaz]

Hyundai S Coupe or Honda Civic Coupe, all the same, 4 banger 1.5 liter, but Hundai for half price.

Family saloon cars that the manufactorers throw some go-faster stripes on, fit drilled pedals to and a few spoilers, up the price and then sell as supposedly "high performance" are a bit of a sad joke.

Yeah that hotted-up pretender the Ford Focus RS is joke... How could a 300hp hatchback ever be anything but a family runabout...

[rixalex]

Yeah that hotted-up pretender the Ford Focus RS is joke... How could a 300hp hatchback ever be anything but a family runabout...

You are talking about the likes of the Sierra Cosworth, whereas i was talking about the likes of the XR4i. See the difference? Do you think Jimmy Nail would have driven an XR4i?

There are exceptions. Of course there are. Impreza WRX anyone?

[Pdaz]

Yeah that hotted-up pretender the Ford Focus RS is joke... How could a 300hp hatchback ever be anything but a family runabout...

You are talking about the likes of the Sierra Cosworth, whereas i was talking about the likes of the XR4i. See the difference? Do you think Jimmy Nail would have driven an XR4i?

There are exceptions. Of course there are. Impreza WRX anyone?

I see your point .. But where to draw the line?.. Think back a few years.. Standard escort 1.6L... with wider wheels and a few doodads becomes 1.6GT Add wider wings/arches, lower springs and a few more dials and you have a Mexico.

The XR4i still had an 160bhp V6 which was considered a pretty powerful motor back in the 80's

There are heaps (like the WRX you mention) of base model saloon/hatch chassis's that have turned in World beating competiion cars with the addition of better suspension/engine etc.. But in the Thai market the average Thai only wants image not actual performance.. Notice how even the 'sporty' cars here all have auto boxes.. Thais just can't be bothered with a manual.. So mostly you end up with a few stripes and wide alloy wheels..

Really fruistrating if you actually do want a sporty car..

My girl bought a Jazz.. practical and roomy.. I bought a Proton Neo CPS.. cramped and a bit plasticky... But it has a manual box, two airbags VVT and handles really well... But know for certain if I lived in the West I'd never have one..

Very little choice here.. even less if you like performance cars..

[rixalex]

I see your point .. But where to draw the line?.. Think back a few years.. Standard escort 1.6L... with wider wheels and a few doodads becomes 1.6GT Add wider wings/arches, lower springs and a few more dials and you have a Mexico.

The XR4i still had an 160bhp V6 which was considered a pretty powerful motor back in the 80's

There are heaps (like the WRX you mention) of base model saloon/hatch chassis's that have turned in World beating competiion cars with the addition of better suspension/engine etc.. But in the Thai market the average Thai only wants image not actual performance.. Notice how even the 'sporty' cars here all have auto boxes.. Thais just can't be bothered with a manual.. So mostly you end up with a few stripes and wide alloy wheels..

Really fruistrating if you actually do want a sporty car..

My girl bought a Jazz.. practical and roomy.. I bought a Proton Neo CPS.. cramped and a bit plasticky... But it has a manual box, two airbags VVT and handles really well... But know for certain if I lived in the West I'd never have one..

Very little choice here.. even less if you like performance cars..

I agree with all of that but getting back to the original point i was making, i was talking about the Hyundai S Coupe and those of that ilk and particularly of that era.

[Loz]

I like the March. I don't think not having a stereo will put people off the budget version.

How many cars here have you seen with the original stereo, anyway? They love the aftermarket pissing about here... So why not start with a blank Canvas. I think that will actually be a calculated move on Nissan Thailand's part. Probably a stroke of Genius. THink of it as 50,000 towards your " Install ".

As for the lack of Leky windows. An auto electrician can do the front two for 3000B each. and for the wet blanket about to raise the warranty card.. please.... Are u saying they waranty on your manual window winders was a major consideration.. Don't be slack!

Get the budget model:

How many Thai cars do you see on factory rims? EXACTLY so get the base car with steelies and then choose your own pimped rims!

This 375,000 entry car is the MODDERS PARADISE!!!

THinking about it, Subaru should do a WRX (S - as is STRIPPED). I think they used to in the JDM.

Ferarri when producing the F40 their first road going 200MPH+ car didn't think customers would mind having a draw string with a little carbon fibre bog roll to pull on instead of a fancy plastic door handle. I think Nissan Customers will handle the cuts made to get them into a new car.

Ps. I'd have a Cherry cos I think it would go in the back of my Sportrider instead of a Honda Wave for when I am in the city. JUst need two ramps instead of one...

[rixalex]

I like the March. I don't think not having a stereo will put people off the budget version.

How many cars here have you seen with the original stereo, anyway? They love the aftermarket pissing about here... So why not start with a blank Canvas. I think that will actually be a calculated move on Nissan Thailand's part. Probably a stroke of Genius. THink of it as 50,000 towards your " Install ".

As for the lack of Leky windows. An auto electrician can do the front two for 3000B each. and for the wet blanket about to raise the warranty card.. please.... Are u saying they waranty on your manual window winders was a major consideration.. Don't be slack!

Get the budget model:

How many Thai cars do you see on factory rims? EXACTLY so get the base car with steelies and then choose your own pimped rims!

This 375,000 entry car is the MODDERS PARADISE!!!

THinking about it, Subaru should do a WRX (S - as is STRIPPED). I think they used to in the JDM.

Ferarri when producing the F40 their first road going 200MPH+ car didn't think customers would mind having a draw string with a little carbon fibre bog roll to pull on instead of a fancy plastic door handle. I think Nissan Customers will handle the cuts made to get them into a new car.

Ps. I'd have a Cherry cos I think it would go in the back of my Sportrider instead of a Honda Wave for when I am in the city. JUst need two ramps instead of one...

You make some valid points.

I'm off to my nearest Nissan showroom to order a March and when they ask me which model i'll say with a wink "just give me the blank canvas".

[keemapoot]

Well, here's a not very pleasant update. We ordered and paid deposit for a new March about a month ago, and the dealer promised it would arrive on 22nd of this month. Today, we visited the dealer because we were tired of the run around, and they just threw their arms up in the air and told us Nissan is swamped with orders country-wide, backlogged, and nobody is getting any cars. They could not tell us any date when we could expect our car.

Anybody had a better experience?

[culicine]

Well, here's a not very pleasant update. We ordered and paid deposit for a new March about a month ago, and the dealer promised it would arrive on 22nd of this month. Today, we visited the dealer because we were tired of the run around, and they just threw their arms up in the air and told us Nissan is swamped with orders country-wide, backlogged, and nobody is getting any cars. They could not tell us any date when we could expect our car.

Anybody had a better experience?

Haven't seen ONE march on the road as yet. I guess everyone is in the same boat. Be patient and hope you enjoy your car, when you get it:)

[rixalex]

Well, here's a not very pleasant update. We ordered and paid deposit for a new March about a month ago, and the dealer promised it would arrive on 22nd of this month. Today, we visited the dealer because we were tired of the run around, and they just threw their arms up in the air and told us Nissan is swamped with orders country-wide, backlogged, and nobody is getting any cars. They could not tell us any date when we could expect our car.

Anybody had a better experience?

Haven't seen ONE march on the road as yet. I guess everyone is in the same boat. Be patient and hope you enjoy your car, when you get it:)

I was only thinking to myself this week, it's a bit strange that i haven't started seeing them popping up on the roads. Would have thought by now at least some people would have taken delivery.

On a side note, does anyone know how similar the March will be to the European Micra?

[indothai]

Well, here's a not very pleasant update. We ordered and paid deposit for a new March about a month ago, and the dealer promised it would arrive on 22nd of this month. Today, we visited the dealer because we were tired of the run around, and they just threw their arms up in the air and told us Nissan is swamped with orders country-wide, backlogged, and nobody is getting any cars. They could not tell us any date when we could expect our car.

Anybody had a better experience?

Haven't seen ONE march on the road as yet. I guess everyone is in the same boat. Be patient and hope you enjoy your car, when you get it:)

I was only thinking to myself this week, it's a bit strange that i haven't started seeing them popping up on the roads. Would have thought by now at least some people would have taken delivery.

On a side note, does anyone know how similar the March will be to the European Micra?

They are slowly trickling in... the current political mess isn't helping any. A friend of mine saw a black one on the road the other day... Pantip forum have one thay are using to compare performance between motorcycles and other cars.. etc..etc..

The Euro Micra's will be better spec'd, ie: higher end offerings: sunroof, more airbags, better seats. There's a picture floating around the net when the Micra was launched there in Europe, and if you look carefuly you can notice the differences... otherwise, overall, they're all identical.

Wife and I are in line for the top-line CVT, dealer expects the car to arrive around late June.... we booked ours back in early March. We too are excited about the car and can't wait for it.

We test drove (very slow and short test drive) of the manual and it's nice. The build quality is solid, drove through some pot holes and feels very good. There's a clip on the net, Thai guy drove his March 170 km/h with two other passengers., so I'm not too worried about performance.