Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Micra

Verdict on CVT auto version of new supermini

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Nissan Micra
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It’s easy to see why Nissan has played it safe with the Micra. Unlike the firm’s distinctive crossover models, the new city car sticks to a tried-and-tested formula of low running costs and value for money. It’s adequate, but the lack of ambition shows in the dull design and low-rent cabin. It may be efficient, but the CVT is too noisy and slow out of town, and trails the class leaders. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Is the new Nissan Micra destined to be an automatic success? We drove the manual version back in Issue 1,146, so how does this CVT-equipped model compare? 

First impressions are mixed. The auto is visually identical to its manual counterpart, and the design is hardly striking. Part of the problem is the fact that this is a ‘global’ car, so the conservative styling is understandable, given its scope – the Micra is being sold in 160 different countries. 

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

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68625","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Yet it feels like a step in the wrong direction. Where the previous model was quirky and cute, the newcomer struggles to make an impression. The tall body does mean the interior is roomier, but it doesn’t give the Micra much kerbside appeal – a key route to sales success in this highly competitive sector of the market. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Sport

2022 Land Rover

Range Rover Sport

19,523 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £47,600
View Range Rover Sport
Golf GTI

2020 Volkswagen

Golf GTI

54,386 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,435
View Golf GTI
ZS

2023 MG

ZS

34,598 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,335
View ZS
2 Series Gran Tourer

2020 BMW

2 Series Gran Tourer

52,882 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £12,648
View 2 Series Gran Tourer

It’s a similar story inside. Our mid-range Acenta offers a strange mixture of hi-tech kit, such as cruise and climate control, surrounded by cheap and scratchy interior plastics. 

It’s definitely built to last, but sharp glovebox edges and exposed screwheads mean it lags well behind rivals such as the Hyundai i20 and Suzuki Swift

Advertisement - Article continues below

The roofline and wheelbase are longer than on the previous model, so there is plenty of room for passengers in the back, and the 265-litre boot is impressive considering the Micra’s compact dimensions. Plus, the rear seats fold flat, allowing owners to carry bulky items with relative ease.

There’s clever technology at work, too, as the car uses Nissan’s new V-platform, which is lighter and stiffer than ever. Add the chirpy three-cylinder petrol engine, and the Micra claims 52.3mpg fuel economy and 126g/km CO2 emissions – impressive figures for an auto. 

On the road, however, the drivetrain struggles. The CVT gearbox is noisy and strained, and the underpowered engine is best suited to use around town, with the benchmark 0-62mph sprint taking nearly 15 seconds. A supercharged version, due in the summer, should be considerably quicker.

The light steering is also tuned with city driving in mind, as is the class-leading 4.65-metre turning circle, which is really useful for completing tight manoeuvres. Yet even though it’s been tweaked for UK roads, the ride is jittery and the car crashes over larger bumps.

The Micra auto makes sense on paper, but its cheap feel and lack of character could be big handicaps to long-term success. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025