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Nissan Micra

Nissan launches its all-new Micra in 160 countries across the world, but what do we make of it in this one?

Nissan Micra

December 2010

It’s sold in more than 160 countries worldwide, but this is the first time we’ve managed to get our hands on Nissan’s new Micra in the UK. Does the firm have a hit on its hands? We took to the road to find out.

It’s worth noting that not all Micras available around the globe are the same. For instance, models in Thailand – which are badged March – do without the front and rear anti-roll bars fitted to UK ones. Our cars also get retuned suspension and softer-compound tyres to improve the ride.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Nissan Micra

 

Inside, though, the scratchy plastics and dull design fall short of competitors, even if the back seats and 265-litre boot are spacious. And, unlike the model’s predecessor, and rivals such as the Suzuki Swift, it doesn’t stand out.

On the move, the steering lacks feedback, but the new anti-roll bars keep the body in check through corners. And while the tweaked suspension is quite stiff, the car doesn’t crash over large imperfections in the road, making for a comfortable ride.

In fact, for a supermini the drive is surprisingly relaxing, and unless you’re really pushing the small three-cylinder engine, it’s also quite refined.

Admittedly, this is no hot hatch: with only 78bhp, it manages the 0-62mph sprint in a leisurely 13.7 seconds. Things begin to make more sense in town traffic, though, where the light steering and class-leading turning circle make city driving a breeze. Even the motor feels a bit nippier.

A five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, and we would recommend that you stick with this, as the CVT automatic saps power and adds a further 0.8 seconds to the 0-62mph time.

It also worsens fuel economy, with the combined figures standing at 52.3mpg for the automatic and 56mpg for the manual. It’s a similar story with CO2 emissions, which rise from 115g/km in the latter to 125g/km in the auto.

Our car came in Acenta specification: for a £10,850 price tag, this boasts generous equipment, with big-car features such as cruise and climate control. As the Micra stands, though, there are better superminis out there.

However, a 98bhp supercharged model is due later in 2011, which qualifies for free road tax and is exempt from the congestion charge. It’s also far quicker than this model, and could be the dose of excitement the Micra needs.

For an alternative review of the latest Nissan Micra visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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8 Comments

Dull, dull, dull

What an ugly, dull looking car - even Kia and Hyundai can run rings around this lemon. Still I guess it will be exclusive as not many people will buy it.

By penncv3 on 21 December, 2010, 9:56am

nissan retro micra

Nissan appear to be going backwards in their car design
this car looks like something from 20 years ago
when ford/vaixhall/fiat are making modern looking cars
nissan go further back into a previous era

By bluequake on 21 December, 2010, 12:37pm

I agree with all the comments that the styling is old fashioned, but it will still appeal to the older generation of Nissan buyers.
The most interesting thing is the new 3 cylinder 1.2 litre engine which has remarkable power for its size and excellent economy.
In Britain this engine's low emmisions qualify for £30 road tax.
As Nissan is now owned by Renault, I look forward to this engine being fitted to the Renault Clio and then you will also have the choice of a car with modern styling.

By jamesmclaughlin on 21 December, 2010, 2:05pm

Gordon

In Australia they get a 1,5 4cylinder engine as the only powertrain ,shurely better than a 3 In India where U.K. cars originate,they cost +5000 pounds .Thats why its so compromised Bring the price down and change the engine and it will sell.

By Gordon1511 on 21 December, 2010, 7:32pm

What a backward step.

After two generations of really funky designs for the Micra, Nissan have really lost the plot with this one. I hope sales punish them for their sloppy carelessness.

By pajbse on 22 December, 2010, 10:56pm

Retro? - Perhaps not!

I've always looked at Micras when I'm choosing a car and they've not made the final cut. This looks like the design that they rejected the last time the model changed. As for cruise control and climate control in the Acenta, that should be helpful on the Tesco run for the, shall we say, "older customers". It will probably sell well, simply because it has a loyal band of drivers who don't mind mixing reliabilty with dullness. It's like the motoring equivalent of comfortable shoes.

By n50pap on 31 December, 2010, 10:07am

Looks familiar

This Micra looks to be a mix of the two previous generations of Micra - not particularly exciting but not unattractive either, If it is priced right it could be an appealing small car especially with the new supercharged engine.

By cousins11 on 6 January, 2011, 8:16pm

WHAT A CROCK OF **** SORRY !

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH PENNCV3 & BLUEQUAKE.

By BEREAL on 6 January, 2011, 11:44pm

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FIRST OPINION

    This new Micra is a step forward from the previous-generation car in some ways – it’s bigger and offers better value for money. However, it seems like a jump backwards in its bland exterior design and cheap-feeling cabin. Selling the same model worldwide has enabled Nissan to produce it with a lower price tag, but it’s not quite cheap enough to draw buyers away from other more stylish and exciting rivals.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £10,850
    Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 78bhp/106Nm
    0-62/top speed: 13.7 secs/106mph
    Economy: 56mpg CO2: 115g/km
    Equipment: Six airbags, cruise control, climate control, front electric windows, central locking
    On sale: Now
     
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