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Nissan Micra DIG-S

Supercharged engine is a welcome addition to the Nissan Micra line-up

Nissan Micra

By Kyle Fortune

July 2011

You don’t need a diesel for great economy – that’s the bold claim Nissan is making with its new Micra DIG-S Pure Drive.

It’s powered by a new 97bhp 1.2-litre supercharged three-cylinder petrol unit which employs a more efficient engine cycle at low revs, while direct injection, stop-start and low-friction surfaces also feature. The result is fuel consumption of 68.9mpg and 95g/km CO2 emissions.

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

 

The engine delivers the usual off-beat percussive note of a three-cylinder unit, and even with the supercharger it needs lots of revs to produce its best. It’s clearly tuned for economy – a 0-60mph time of 11.3 seconds underlines this.

At low revs, the supercharger disconnects to preserve as much fuel as possible – likewise the stop-start system is quick to shut the 1.2-litre unit down at will.

On the move, the five-speed gearbox whines as the speed rises, and there’s no incentive to drive it with any enthusiasm. This is transport at its most basic level. That’s further emphasised by an interior devoid of any style or flair and lacking the quality of even its cheapest rivals.

The quest for economy has helped the Micra visually though, with its lengthened roof spoiler and new grille. Engine aside, the Nissan remains an unremarkable supermini in a class where excellence is becoming the norm. 

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

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3 Comments

poor mans fiat 500 twinair

Oh dear...the micra has become a toytown car in my opinion
Nissan need to start agian and produce a smart looking car with top quality
interior and it will sell by the bucketload ..the quality of the brand
is excellent

By bluequake on 21 July, 2011, 9:01am

?

What? No 'boost' guage. What kind of sports car is this?...(lol)

By badboyrocco on 21 July, 2011, 9:48am

I have to disagree with comments about the look of the new Micra because I actually prefer it to the last one which was too cute and girly, a guy can get away with driving the this new model and I have to say the new DIG engine sounds appealing - Nissan engineering is top notch - just look at the amazing GTR!

By cousins11 on 21 July, 2011, 4:46pm

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FIRST OPINION

    The economy and emissions figures are hard to ignore, but the Micra fails to deliver much else. The styling is nondescript, and the interior has regressed from the car it replaced. It’s a shame, as the DIG-S 
    engine delivers enthusiastic performance. That it does so while being more economical than the non-supercharged unit is impressive, although it needs to find another bonnet to nestle under to really shine. 
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £11,000
    Engine: 1.2-litre 3cyl s’charged petrol 
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/Torque: 97bhp/142Nm
    Top speed: 111mph
    0-60mph: 11.3 seconds
    Combined economy: 68.9 mpg 
    CO2: 95g/km
    Equipment: Stop-start, power steering, air-con, remote central locking, ESP, ABS, alloy wheels 
    On sale: September
     
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