Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Nissan Micra (2017-2022) review

The stylish and safety-conscious Nissan Micra is a capable supermini, but isn't on par with the best in class

Overall Auto Express rating

3.5

How we review cars
  • Interior quality
  • Practicality
  • Styling
  • Rear headroom
  • Not as fun as a Fiesta
  • Pricey options
Find your Nissan Micra
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

In a competitive supermini market full of talented rivals, the Nissan Micra may not always receive the recognition it deserves. But, the fifth-generation model is a stylish, small five-door hatchback that offers decent space and impressive levels of safety

The Micra handles well enough, too, although a limited engine choice lets it down, while there's no efficient hybrid technology to help boost fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. There are better alternatives available; the Renault Clio (our current Supermini of the Year) being a standout choice. However, if you're after a small family car that's easy to drive and attractively priced, the Nissan Micra might be worth a look.

About the Nissan Micra

The Nissan Micra has built a reputation over many years for affordability, reliability and ease of ownership, but rarely has this perennially popular supermini been accused of being stylish.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That all changed with the arrival of the fifth-generation Micra which was unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor show. The French fashion capital was a fitting location for the debut of a model that had cast off its dowdy old clothes to take centre stage on the catwalk with a highly fashionable new look.

While it retains much of the previous model’s engineering under the skin, the fifth-generation Micra also benefits from a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that gives Nissan’s supermini the technical leg-up it needs to compete with some of the best in its class. Coupled with an array of safety kit and a decently engaging drive, in 2017 we recommended the Micra as one of the supermini best buys.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Since then, the Nissan Micra has slipped down the rankings as rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo fought back. The Fiesta is more fun to drive, the Clio more practical, while the Polo has a more upmarket interior, but the Micra is still a satisfying proposition – especially as it retains the original values that have underpinned the car’s appeal across previous generations.

A favourite with driving schools and new drivers across the UK, the Nissan Micra has been a staple of the supermini class since 1983. The first and second generations served up Japanese reliability on a plate, with a decent price to boot. The Micra Mk3 added rounded styling to the mix that added to the car's charms, but the Mk4 was a more restrained design in comparison. One common thread between all of these models is their lack of driving fun, but the Micra has always been a safe choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the looks are sharper, the new Micra gets the last car's running gear under the skin. However, it has been completely updated to make sure the car is competitive, and includes some cutting-edge electronic tech taken from other Nissan models, like the Qashqai. As before, the Micra is five-door only, although Nissan has put the rear door handles in the window frames to give the car a sportier look.

The Mk5 Micra originally offered the choice of a 70bhp 1.0 litre or a 87bhp turbocharged 0.9-litre three cylinder petrol engine. A more performance-oriented 115bhp petrol and a 89bhp 1.5-litre diesel were also available. An update in 2021 saw these engine options reduced to a single 91bhp 1.0-litre petrol turbo. All models feature either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission.

The refresh also included a simplified trim line-up, with three specifications on offer: Acenta, N-Sport and Tekna. All cars get cruise control as standard, as well as automatic emergency braking and a lane departure warning system. Move up to N-Sport and you benefit from Alcantara seats, a rear-view camera and parking sensors, a black exterior pack and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Tekna trim level includes a Bose audio system, NissanConnect navigation and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

While we've mentioned the Fiesta, Clio and Polo as being hugely talented rivals, the SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia are also both strong contenders. The Citroen C3 adds some youthful style to the mix, with the Peugeot 208 being the upmarket sister car to the C3.

Elsewhere, other Far Eastern rivals include the Toyota YarisMazda 2Hyundai i20Kia RioSuzuki Swift and Honda Jazz, while the Vauxhall Corsa is another staple of the class that shouldn't be ruled out.

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

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Micra

New Nissan Micra EV: latest details and exclusive image of the Renault 5’s sister car
Nissan Micra - exclusive image

New Nissan Micra EV: latest details and exclusive image of the Renault 5’s sister car

The Micra will return with all-electric power and feature distinctive styling cues together with a low price
News
16 Apr 2024
Used Nissan Micra (Mk4, 2010-2016) review
Used Nissan Micra Mk4 - front

Used Nissan Micra (Mk4, 2010-2016) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Nissan Micra, covering the Micra Mk4 that was on sale between 2010 and 2016
Used car tests
20 Oct 2023
Best cars for £1,000 or less
Best cars for £1,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £1,000 or less

A low budget doesn’t have to mean low-quality. We’ve picked out some terrific cars for under £1k
Best cars & vans
28 Feb 2023
Best new cars for under £200 per month
Best cars for £200 a month - header image

Best new cars for under £200 per month

If you've got £200 to spend on a new car every month, here's our pick of the best options
Best cars & vans
1 Feb 2023
Used Nissan Micra (Mk5, 2016-date) review
Used Nissan Micra - front

Used Nissan Micra (Mk5, 2016-date) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Nissan Micra covering the Micra Mk5 (2016-date)
Used car tests
11 Jan 2023
Nissan Micra (Mk2, 1992-2002) icon review
Nissan Micra Mk2 icon - front

Nissan Micra (Mk2, 1992-2002) icon review

We take a second look at the Nissan Micra supermini in second generation K11 form
Road tests
27 Nov 2022
New limited edition Nissan Micra Kiiro revealed
Nissan Micra Kiiro

New limited edition Nissan Micra Kiiro revealed

Following the Juke Kiiro, Nissan has now unveiled the Micra Kiiro special edition
News
25 Feb 2022
Micra N-Sport vs Ibiza FR Sport vs Swift Sport
Nissan Micra N-Sport vs SEAT Ibiza FR Sport vs Suzuki Swift Sport - header

Micra N-Sport vs Ibiza FR Sport vs Swift Sport

The new Nissan Micra N-Sport aims to turn up the heat in the warm hatch market. We test it against rivals from SEAT and Suzuki
Car group tests
20 Apr 2019
New Nissan Micra N-Sport 2019 review
Nissan Micra N-Sport - front

New Nissan Micra N-Sport 2019 review

The new Nissan Micra N-Sport warm hatch has arrived as part of a series of updates to the Micra range. We try it out...
Road tests
31 Jan 2019
New Nissan Micra facelift adds new engine and trim level
Nissan Micra N-Sport - front

New Nissan Micra facelift adds new engine and trim level

The Nissan Micra range has been revised with a new 1.0-litre engine, a new gearbox, a warm hatch variant, and a new N-Sport trim level
News
31 Jan 2019
Hyundai i20 vs Citroen C3 vs Nissan Micra
Hyundai vs Citroen vs Nissan

Hyundai i20 vs Citroen C3 vs Nissan Micra

Does the new Hyundai i20 have what it takes to top the supermini class as it meets the Citroen C3 and Nissan Micra?
Car group tests
1 Sep 2018
Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term test review: Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra long-term review - header

Long-term test review: Nissan Micra

Final report: our time with the Nissan Micra has shown how quickly the supermini class moves on
Road tests
6 Feb 2018
Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi - most economical cars
Nissan Micra 2017 petrol - front quarter

Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi - most economical cars

The new Micra is a leap ahead of the old one in terms of quality, and with a new diesel engine option it's impressively efficient too
Best cars & vans
9 Jan 2018
Nissan Micra - best first cars for new drivers
Best first cars for new drivers - Nissan Micra

Nissan Micra - best first cars for new drivers

Gone is the dowdy image of the Nissan Micra this fresh new Micra has a lot going for it
Best cars & vans
9 Jan 2018
Nissan Micra Acenta 1.0 petrol 2017 review
Nissan Micra - front

Nissan Micra Acenta 1.0 petrol 2017 review

We drive the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol version of the Nissan Micra to see if it's the pick of the range
Road tests
8 Dec 2017
New Nissan Micra: entry-level petrol on sale from £11,995
Nissan Micra 2017 - front quarter

New Nissan Micra: entry-level petrol on sale from £11,995

Japanese supermini takes radical step forwards for 2017, and now base version hits showrooms
News
22 May 2017
Nissan Micra vs Volkswagen Polo vs Citroen C3
Nissan Micra vs Volkswagen Polo vs Citroen C3 - header

Nissan Micra vs Volkswagen Polo vs Citroen C3

The new Nissan Micra has lofty aspirations in the supermini class, but does it have the talent to beat the VW Polo and Citroen C3?
Car group tests
22 Apr 2017
New Nissan Micra petrol 2017 review
Nissan Micra 2017 petrol - front cornering

New Nissan Micra petrol 2017 review

The new Nissan Micra is finally a competitor for the Fiesta and Polo, but it's a bit pricey in this spec
Road tests
11 Jan 2017
New Nissan Micra 2016 review
New Nissan Micra - front

New Nissan Micra 2016 review

We get behind the wheel of late pre-production prototype of Nissan’s new Fiesta rival
Road tests
23 Nov 2016
Nissan reveals new range-extender hybrid system
Nissan e-power tech

Nissan reveals new range-extender hybrid system

New e-Power hybrid drivetrain is set for Note in Japan, but could come to the Nissan Micra in Europe
News
2 Nov 2016
Sporty Nissan Micra warm hatch on the horizon

Sporty Nissan Micra warm hatch on the horizon

Nissan will build a warm hatch version of its sporty new Micra supermini but no plans are afoot for a Nismo branded hot hatch version
News
29 Sep 2016
New 2017 Nissan Micra prototype review
Nissan Micra 2017 - prototype front cornering 2

New 2017 Nissan Micra prototype review

Nissan's unloved supermini will be replaced by this all-new model next year. We find out how it stacks up in prototype form
Road tests
29 Sep 2016
Nissan Micra review (2010-2016)

Nissan Micra review (2010-2016)

The fourth-generation Nissan Micra supermini offers more space than before, as well as lower emissions and better economy
In-depth reviews
4 Jul 2016