Quick Test: Nissan Micra

The previous generation Nissan Micra, despite being reliable and well built, was not very exciting, nor was it incredibly eye-catching. The new generation, however, is completely unrecognisable when compared to its predecessor. Finally, the Micra’s stereotype of being a shopping cart looks like it has seen its end.

Design

With the entire design of the car having been overhauled the all-new Micra features sweeping lines, a ‘floating’ roof, rear door handles hidden in the pillar and Nissan’s V-Motion front end, kind of like a GT-R.

There are optional extras available where buyers can personalise their Micra’s exterior to suit their individual styles.

The new edgy design could help the Micra break into a potentially younger market and compete with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo.

Interior

Climbing into the new Micra is a pleasant surprise – The interior is well equipped and incredibly easy on the eye. The dashboard and centre console have been wrapped in a soft-to-touch material.

The patterned, colour coded seats are hugely comfortable and are slightly bolstered, keeping the driver and passenger well supported in corners. The infotainment system is easy to use and it was refreshing to see the Bluetooth feature in a B-Segment car work so seamlessly. The attention to detail is evident with ergonomic finger grooves on the back of the steering wheel.

Rear headroom has been sacrificed to allow the design of a sloping roofline and rear windows are controlled with manual winders.

Everyday Use/Verdict

Most of the features inside the cabin are intuitive and everything simply put,  just works the way it’s supposed to. The auto stop-start for instance doesn’t take any getting used to – the car restarts when you depress the clutch to get ready to pull away, while the engine starts automatically during extended stops where the aircon or radio are drawing power from the battery.

Powered by a 0.9L turbo-petrol, one would assume that you would experience a lack of power. Nissan has, however, made it work, with the very occasional need to gear down on sloping roads.

Drivers are instilled with confidence thanks to the grip and overall solid feel of the car. The Micra feels at home around stop-start city conditions and absorbs bumps and undulations on uneven roads very well.

The Nissan Micra is a very eye catching car, and although some say it might be a tad overpriced, it is supposed to be slightly more premium than other cars in this segment.  Time will tell if the sales of the little Nissan will pick up in the coming months.

Models

All models come with the 0.9L turbo-petrol with a 5-speed manual gearbox which puts out 66 kW and 140 Nm of torque with a claimed consumption of 5.1L/100km. All Micras come with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/90 000 km service plan.

Nissan Micra Visia R233 500

Nissan Micra Acenta R257 400

Nissan Micra Acenta Plus R272 400