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Nissan Micra vs Skoda Fabia

Nissan has joined the road tax-exempt supermini club with its new supercharged petrol Micra. Can it win more votes than Skoda’s turbocharged Fabia?

Nissan Micra vs Skoda Fabia

Photos: Pete Gibson August 2011

The Nissan Micra is ready to reveal its green streak. By dropping a hi-tech supercharged powerplant under the bonnet of its supermini, the Japanese firm has created a machine that promises to blend diesel-engined eco-friendliness and economy with petrol car pace and refinement.

On paper, the newcomer certainly has what it takes to succeed. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder offers an attractive mix of performance and low running costs, thanks to an output of 97bhp, claimed fuel returns of 65.7mpg and emissions of 99g/km.

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

 

We test the Micra in range-topping Tekna trim, which will set you back £13,650.Going up against the Nissan is the Skoda Fabia. The entry-level model also packs a hi-tech punch, but in this case there’s a turbocharger under the bonnet, rather than a supercharger.

As with the Micra, Skoda’s gutsy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine promises big performance and small fuel bills. The model in our pictures is equipped with the slick-shifting DSG semi-auto gearbox, but our test car was a £13,715 Elegance with a five-speed manual transmission.

Elsewhere, the recently facelifted Fabia scores with a spacious and practical cabin, solid build and composed driving dynamics. So, will the supercharged Micra race to a well earned victory, or will it be blown away by its turbocharged rival?

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

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4 Comments

No contest.

Why would i buy something built in China and India to something built in Europe from the VW camp.
The Micra is neither cheap or cheerful.
NO CONTEST.

By toycollector on 23 August, 2011, 5:45pm

Yes it is a contest

Why would I buy a budget VW built in the Czech republic when I could buy something made buy hardworking Chinese or Indians who take pride in what they do.
The Fabia is certainly not cheap and its debatable whether its cheerful.
CERTAINLY A CONTEST

By cousins11 on 30 August, 2011, 3:26pm

Fabia Estate

I am on my second Fabia estate. I have the 80bhp diesel. there is not another car of that size that can get close to the estate for carrying capacity the 480Ltr boot, that is even bigger than some much bigger cars. It will seat five, four in relative comfort. I also average 65 miles to the gallon. That figure is over the last ten fill ups, and most of my driving is 40 mile runs. I fail to see why the Fabia Estate does'nt get more mentions in the motor magazines. Is it because its not a pretty car, but it must be one of the most useful cars and economical too.

By Dieselman on 13 September, 2011, 2:28pm

Your wrong!

Dieselman, your wrong! SEAT Ibiza ST. Not only is it better looking, but they are so similar, the big difference is the price, with SEAT costing less!

By no_1fordfan on 14 September, 2011, 4:41pm

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1st Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI Elegance

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Nissan Micra 1.2 DIG-S Tekna front tracking

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New DIG-S petrol model mixes economy and refinement
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Has the latest Micra done enough to redeem itself? Well, there’s no denying its eco-friendly appeal. Emissions of less than 100g/km from a non-diesel engine are very impressive, and its stop-start system is smooth and efficient. On top of that, the Nissan is a well equipped, spacious and nimble inner-city companion.

Sadly, the new engine can’t make up for the Micra’s fundamental flaws. Ungainly looks, a low-rent cabin and lacklustre driving dynamics consign it to second place here.

In the final reckoning, the Skoda’s margin of victory is healthy. It lacks the sparkle of some cars in this sector, but the solidly built, practical and classy interior makes it feel several cuts above the Nissan. Factor in its lively pace, superior fuel economy and composed chassis, and it’s a well deserved win for the Fabia.

1. Skoda Fabia
Look past the Skoda’s staid appearance, and you’ll find an incredibly talented supermini. Its robust cabin is one of the most practical in the business, while the 1.2-litre engine delivers decent performance. Adding to its appeal are award-winning dealers that promise to provide a hugely satisfying ownership experience.

2. Nissan Micra 
If you want to keep your motoring bills to a minimum, the Micra is worth a look. Its engine serves up incredibly low CO2 emissions and a miserly thirst for fuel. It’s also well equipped as standard. However, in every other respect, the newcomer is way off the supermini pace. 
 
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