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Nissan Micra 1.2S Auto 3Dr

Angel delight?

The outgoing Micra was 10 years old, so surely it can't be difficult to improve on it? But there is one major component which has actually taken a backwards step with this latest car - the automatic gearbox.

By Tom Barnard

February 2003

The outgoing Micra was 10 years old, so surely it can't be difficult to improve on it? But there is one major component which has actually taken a backwards step with this latest car - the automatic gearbox.

The clever CVT on offer since 1993 was beloved of small auto drivers across the country, as it was simple to use and yet was only slightly thirstier than the manual car. Once buyers were familiar with the monotone engine note during acceleration, there was no going back.

But Nissan has replaced its clever box of tricks with a boring, old-fashioned stepped transmission. It's all down to cost, apparently. While the CVT used to be a ΂£1,000 option, the self-shifter on this latest 1.2-litre model adds a marginally more reasonable ΂£900. But will you be short-changed if you buy one?

Well, as we found out on our drive on roads round the Angel of the North, the figures don't seem to add up. For a start, fuel economy is worse than that of the outgoing 1.0-litre CVT, with the average falling 3.5mpg to 42.8mpg. This would be acceptable had the performance improved, but the top speed drops by 1mph, despite the fact that the new engine has an extra 200cc and 20bhp. The 0-60mph time is faster, but only by 0.1 of a second to 17.9 seconds.

The car has also lost some of its charm on the road. Where the old model found the best ratio according to whether you wanted economy or performance, the new gearbox tends to search around between gears. Settle at the motorway limit and the Micra keeps to a refined 3,000rpm, and seems relaxed for a supermini. But try to press on and take it past 4,000rpm, and the engine becomes harsh and noisy.

It's a real shame, as the rest of the Micra package is so exceptional. Designers spent time spying on drivers in car parks to see how they used their superminis, and as a result, there are plenty of thoughtful touches such as the sliding rear seat, handbag hook and huge glovebox. The steering is light when parking and heavier at speed, and the suspension feels as if it could handle more power than this engine provides. If only the Micra used a CVT, it would be our automatic choice.

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FIRST OPINION

    We really like the new Micra, but are disappointed that Nissan has scrimped on the auto. The old CVT was innovative and efficient, but the new conventional stepped box is less refined, more thirsty and saps power. Until the firm slots in the new CVT offered to buyers in Japan, we'd go for the manual. Or perhaps take a look at rivals.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Micra auto on sale in UK now
    Returns 42.8mpg fuel economy and offers top speed of 92mph
     
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