2018 Nissan Micra Cross could rival Ford Fiesta Active - Rendering

Fifth-gen Nissan Micra's SUV-inspired crossover variant imagined.

The 2017 Nissan Micra is now on sale in Europe and have started rolling out the car in other regions. The fifth-gen Nissan Micra is only available as a regular hatchback, but IAB's automotive illustrator, Shoeb R Kalania, has created a rendering of a potential 2018 Nissan Micra Cross which could target the Ford Fiesta Active and upcoming SEAT Arona crossover in the future.

The Cross variant stands slightly higher than the regular model due to the raised suspension. Black cladding flows from the front bumper, around the wheel arches and along the side profile to the rear. There's a wider air dam at the front, while at the sides, black ORVMs, black roof rails and distinctive alloy wheels help further differentiate the Nissan Micra Cross, and give it a rugged, more practical look.

The 2017 Nissan Micra is available with three engine options. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 54 kW (73 PS) and 95 Nm of torque is the base option. Above that, petrol model buyers have a choice of the 0.9-litre IG-T turbocharged three-cylinder unit good for 66 kW (90 PS) and 140 Nm of torque. Also available is a diesel variant which packs a 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged four-cylinder unit that develops 66 kW (90 PS) and 220 Nm of torque. All three engines are Euro 6b compliant and paired to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Also See: 2018 Nissan Leaf spied up close in Europe

Nissan will not launch the fifth-gen Nissan Micra in India. The company will soon focus only on premium cars, and are prepping to launch the Nissan X-Trail SUV this year.