In-depth reviews

Nissan Micra (2017-2022) review - Engines, performance and drive

Nissan has ensured the fifth-generation Micra is better to drive than ever, although it’s still not the best in class

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.5 out of 5

Engines, performance and drive Rating

3.2 out of 5

Price
£17,235 to £21,665
Find your Nissan Micra
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

It was never known as a car that you'd want to drive for the hell of it, and the latest Nissan Micra still isn't the most fun supermini to drive, but it's certainly an improvement. It handles sweetly enough, and all cars get the Active Ride and Active Trace Control electronic systems from the larger Qashqai. The former applies the brakes over bumps to keep the body tied down, while the latter brakes an inside wheel in corners to help stick to your chosen line.

The ride is a little fidgety, with a firm edge even on smaller wheels, but it’s refined at speed. However, next to the precision of a VW Polo and the comfort of a Citroen C3, the Micra simply lacks sparkle.

The steering has just about enough weight to it, but doesn’t have much feel. While the five-speed manual has an imprecise nature when compared to rivals.

Nissan addressed the Micra's relative lack of power by introducing a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit. It was initially available with 99bhp or 115bhp, but now comes solely as a 91bhp version.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed 

The naturally aspirated 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre diesel are no longer available. Instead, the Micra range now includes just the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol motor.

We thought the 99bhp version was a decent all-rounder in regards to refinement and power. The 115bhp version also makes for the best driving Micra as it is allied to revisions that unlock a shade of extra poise from the supermini. The suspension is 10mm lower, and the steering is upgraded to offer some much needed dynamism. However, it's still not as smooth riding as the Volkswagen Polo and not as fun to drive as the Ford Fiesta. The sprint from 0-62mph takes 9.9 seconds, with Nissan claiming ‘warm hatch’ status. But, in reality there are much faster versions of rival superminis.

With 91bhp and 160Nm of torque, the newer IG-T five-speed model manages 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds, with the CVT automatic version needing an extra 1.2 seconds to cover the same sprint.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 Visia 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £12,550

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 Visia 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £12,550

Fastest

  • Name
    1.0 DIG-T 117 Acenta 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £17,350
Executive editor

Paul was employed across automotive agency and manufacturer-side sectors before joining Auto Express in 2020 as our online reviews editor. After a brief sojourn at a national UK newspaper, Paul returned as executive editor where he now works closely with our commercial partners.

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler holding a speaker developed by Warwick Acoustics
Features

The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio

British firm is planning to shake up the in-car hi-fi world with its audio panels that replace traditional speakers. We sound them out
27 Nov 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023