NISSAN

NISSAN MICRA

UNDER THE MICRA-SCOPE
Constant refreshing has kept Nissan’s Micra at the forefront of the supermini sector. Andy Enright Reports…

When you design a futuristic supermini, as Nissan have done with their third generation Micra, you shouldn’t have to tamper with it too much. Nor have they – though some well judged enhancements have, in recent times, improved the car’s showroom appeal. Mind you, they’re so subtle that it’s doubtful whether they’ll attract too many new buyers to the brand who weren’t already sold on the Micra’s cheeky good looks.

Although Nissan are bullish about the latest car’s prospects, one can’t help but feel that this Micra hasn’t quite hit the bullseye in terms of sales. Perhaps it was the fact that the Micra is far from the biggest car in its class and was launched just at the time that rival manufacturers were intent on building spacious MPV-style models with high rooflines and trick seating systems. Nissan took a gamble that a significant slice of customers would want something a little different to these super-utility models but the gamble hasn’t been wholly successful. So it is that the latest version has a number of enhancements aimed at grabbing a bigger slice of the supermini pie. The first visual change to styling can be seen on the front grille which moves away from the chrome centre line over to a chrome surround, providing what Nissan hope is a cleaner and fresher look. This continues with the front headlamps that now have a less profound profile to the parking aid ‘bump’ that sits on the lens, making it smoother and incorporating a light blue tint. The sporty front bumper, as first seen on the 160SR, has now been installed on most models, while the B Pillar trim on the hatchback is no longer colour coded, giving an improved side profile.

"As long as you don’t place interior space at the top of your priority list, the Micra deserves consideration…"

Inside, there’s revised interior trim, an MP3 jack socket and sports sculptured seats on most models. Unless you go for the cheapest variant, you’ll also now find a Bluetooth hands free telephone system, a double DIN audio unit and an audible speed limit warning fitted as standard. Set your maximum speed setting by using the steering wheel button and a bleep will sound as you reach your desired limit; useful when going through reduced speed areas such as road works, villages or near schools. Under the bonnet, it’s as you were. Three petrol engines and one diesel option power the Micra, power outputs ranging from 65PS to 110PS. The common rail 1.5-litre, eight valve four cylinder turbo diesel – developed by Alliance partner Renault – develops 86bhp. Nissan’s CR family of petrol engines is available in either 1.2 or 1.4-litre forms. The 1.2 is available in two levels of tune developing 65 and 80bhp respectively, while the 1.4 develops 88bhp. All are 16 valve four cylinder all-alloy units and comply with Euro IV emissions regulations. The third petrol engine, also Euro IV-compliant, is a lightweight 1.6-litre which develops 109bhp and powers the 160SR. The higher powered 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol versions are available with the option of a four speed automatic gearbox in place of the standard five speed manual transmission. Customers browsing at their local Nissan store will be able to select from various Micra lines in the standard range: VISIA, ACCENTA, TEKNA, ACTIVE LUXURY and 160SR. With all, there’s a choice of three doors or (for a £650 premium) five. Alternatively, there’s the drop top C+C. The 1.2-litre 16v petrol engine most Micra owners choose has been revised in recent times and gives 65PS. Priced from £7,495, Nissan would argue it makes an interesting real car alternative to the new crop of smaller city runabouts. Despite the entry-level VISIA trim level’s budget status, it still comes equipped with twin airbags, electric speed sensitive power steering, electric front windows, a CD player, anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution, remote central locking with anti-hijack feature, and many other life-easing convenience features such as can-holders front and rear plus a bag hook. As long as you don’t place interior space at the top of your priority list, the Micra deserves consideration. In sacrificing space for style, it’ll disappear off the shortlists of some and onto those of others. The fact that the Micra has changed from an old person’s car to one favoured by younger buyers can only be a good thing for Nissan, but the figures need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Moving the mean purchasing age from 52.5 years down to the mid forties doesn’t make the Micra the supermini du jour for twentysomething urban trendies but it’s a step in the right direction. Call me old before my time, but I’m a convert.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Nissan Micra range PRICES: £7,495-£12,845 [excluding C+C] – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 2E-6E CO2 EMISSIONS: 125-158g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.2] 0-60mph 13.9s / Max Speed 104mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2] (average) 47.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, (5dr) 3715/1860/1540mm