Rating
Quick Summary
Average. Attractive pricing, a smooth engine and a roomy cabin aren't enough to compensate for a cheap interior finish and below average road holding in this less-than characterful Micra
Road Test
This is the fourth generation of Micra since 1985 and unlike the previous two, which were made in the UK, this latest is manufactured in India. Far more significant, however, is Nissan's aim of making this a car with wider global appeal, which has forced compromises that might not have surfaced had this car been designed with Europe as a priority.
Despite this, it advances on several fronts. There's an all-new, three cylinder engine of significantly improved economy; the new platform this Micra is built on is both stiffer and lighter than the last and Nissan has added a number of features designed to make it easier to use in the city. These include sensors that reveal whether a potential parking space is Micra-sized or not, a keenly price sat-nav, fold-away mirrors and slender A-pillars for improved visibility.
It's slightly bigger, while components such as the pedals and fuel tank are more efficiently packaged for a larger cabin. It's also more aerodynamic and lighter, all these factors contributing to a competitive CO2 figure of 115g/km, which comes at a price usefully lower than rivals producing similarly low emissions.
This Micra's more international role has resulted in a new style that's less bold than that of the outgoing car, although Nissan has tried to compensate by making it look less deliberately feminine in appeal. Practicality figures high too, the Micra providing a big load space with the seats-down, and plenty of space to store stuff on board. It also promises to be cheap to buy and own with its competitive prices, generous equipment, good fuel consumption and low insurance groups.
But after the previous, rather distinctive Micra, the company's highly successful Qashqai and the striking new Juke, this new Micra comes as something of a disappointment, especially as it's one of the company's most popular models. It comes with one engine - a three-cylinder, 80bhp 1.2 - and either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission that spoils its refinement. A supercharged, economy oriented 1.2 will join that choice, producing a very impressive 95g/km of CO2, precluding the need for a diesel.
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