In-depth reviews

Nissan Micra (2017-2022) review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

Micra boasts respectable fuel economy and should be cheap to insure

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.5 out of 5

MPG, CO2 and running costs Rating

3.6 out of 5

Price
£17,235 to £21,665
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The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol is definitely better suited to the Micra, with the shorter distances most superminis cover meaning that petrol will be a better option (compared to diesel) for the long-term life cycle. The previous 99bhp turbocharged unit with the five-speed manual gearbox delivered 50.4mpg, while even the 115bhp Micra returned a respectable 47.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.

Emissions for the most powerful 115bhp engine were rated at 133g/km, while CO2 figures for the 99bhp engine varied depending on wheel size, but started from 126g/km for the manual version and 140g/km for the CVT auto.

Nissan claims the newer 91bhp five-speed manual model will return an average of 53.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 121g/km. There's an efficiency penalty if you opt for the CVT auto, which manages a 47.1mpg maximum and 137g/km of CO2.

Insurance groups

The Micra isn’t just efficient, it’s also cheap to keep on the road thanks to some low insurance group ratings. If you go for the entry-level 1.0-litre car in Visia+ trim, it sits in group 1E, which is very appealing for young drivers.

The least powerful 1.0-litre petrol is unsurprisingly in the lowest insurance group of the range, while the DIG-T 117bhp version sits in group 11. The Micra still remains cheaper to insure than the VW Polo, which can only manage as low as group 8 and goes all the way up to group 28.

Depreciation

Our expert data suggests that the Nissan Micra should hold onto around 50 per cent of its original value after a typical ownership period of three-years and 36,000 miles driven.

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.

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