Blacked out Nissan Micra gets sporty

Despite previous successes, the new Nissan Micra has had limited success since its introduction in 2018. Now with a more powerful engine and some added features, Micra has been re-imagined for the South African market. I drive through the streets of downtown Jo’ burg to see how it fits into its natural habitat.

Micra looks striking in its new tailored black suite

So what’s changed

Micra is available in three trim levels, Acenta Plus, Tekna and Tekna plus. But the big change is the addition of the new turbo 84kW engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox.  This is up 18kW on the launch model, and it shows.

Around the city, the Micra felt much more urgent than before with the engine pulling eagerly up the steep hills of some of Joburg’s more opulent neighbourhoods.  The gearbox is easy to use and the clutch action predictable. The Hill-start assist does take some getting used to so be sure to practice those a few times before trying it at a busy intersection.

On the outside, the top of the range Tekna plus is available in the new Enigma Black hue, which looks exceptionally sporty, esp with the wheels fitted to the car. It also comes with sports suspension which is 10mm lower than the other iterations, sport exhaust tailpipe. Smart keyless entry, push start button, parking sensors and much more. When placed alongside its competitors Micras standard spec list seems quite competitive. The 84 kW Tekna model comes with LED headlights and front fog lights, automatic air conditioner and automatic headlight levelliser and the Tekna Plus, with ‘Invigorating Red’ interior personalisation, leather heated seats and ‘Enigma Black’ exterior colour.

The flagship versions featuring the 1.0-litre engine have a ride height that’s around 10mm lower and revised suspension tuning to optimize the benefits of that reduction. They also have sharper steering, with a steering rack that’s quicker and lighter to use.

Plush Interior

The Micras interior is a brimming with soft touches and premium looking and feeling textures. I think this is largely thanks to the feel of the colour coded leather that can be found everywhere. It certainly feels like a car far more pricey than it is. The Tekna and Tekna Plus models now also come fully fitted with an exclusive Bose sound system which has a unique party trick. Turn up the music and the driver is treated to a surround sound experience thanks to speakers in the headrest. 

The system includes an amplifier under the driver’s seat, wide-range speakers in the front doors, tweeters in the dashboard with 2 6cm speakers located in the driver’s headrest. As with previous versions, the updated model is also compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The all-new Nissan Micra 84 kW is set to compete in the Upper B hatchback segment, which happens to be one of the most popular car segments in the country.  A now decently specced alternative for a competitive price, can Micra finally turn those admiring glances into figures on the sales charts?

Pricing

• MICRA 66kW Turbo Visia: R252 800.00
• MICRA 66kW Turbo Acenta: R279 400.00
• MICRA 66kW Turbo Acenta Plus: R295 400.00
• MICRA 84kW Turbo Acenta Plus: R305 900.00
• MICRA 84kW Turbo Tekna: R326 300.00
• MICRA 84kW Turbo Tekna Plus: R336 900.00