Ours is Mexican made... and yes, it's a little strange that NO auto trans is available at all in multiple South American countries... though it helps with fuel economy.
Here's a Brazilian 1.6L / manual Micra owner showing the results of a 338 km highway trip in his car: 19.3 km/L = 5.2L / 100 km = 45 mpg US.
1.2L 3 banger... but not here
Offering the 1.2 would cost more (would have to be emissions certified & tested for fuel economy, service training & parts inventory stocked), and the Canadian market probably isn't big enough to justify the expense. But the Nissan rep I asked about it said "it just depends on the market" ... meaning I suppose that if/when gas gets expensive enough, they'd look at it.
I think a bigger issue is this: currently the Versa Note hatchback with the CVT is the company's most efficient I.C.E. vehicle in Canada/U.S. So if they offered either the CVT or a 1.2L in the Micra, it could take that marketing angle away from the more profitable car.
And lastly: typical auto journalists like the 1.6 four, especially compared to a lower powered 3-cylinder. I haven't read a single negative review of the 1.6L Micra, while the Mirage's 1.2L engine has been regularly mocked by gearheads in the media (personally, I love the character of triples ... but I'm obviously biased... Firefly!).