Nissan Micra – Value For Money

By Author: Jack Wilson
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

Nissan Micra – Value for Money

For nearly three decades Nissan Micra has been a super star on the supermini sales floor, thanks to Micra’s reputation for reliability. The fourth generation Micra is more spacious and luxurious as it sets its sights on beating the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. It is more efficient and better equipped too. Micra’s are sold worldwide so the build quality is compromised.

There is a problem though with the new Micra, it doesn’t have the same cheeky appeal of its predecessor. Nissan designers are more conservative in there styling for the new Micra. Pricier Acenta models have been given a lift by adding a 15-inch alloy wheels. The door handles and mirrors have also been given a body colour finish. Top of the range Tekna model now has a panoramic glass roof. Once you get in, you immediately feel that Micra has been built as a low cost car. The plastics feel cheap and some sharp edges have been left over from the moulding process. The switchgear feels flimsy.

The Micra is an excellent urban car thanks to its good visibility, compact exterior dimensions and light controls. ...
... But once you hit the motorway Nissan’s shortcomings soon become clear. The steering wheel is not responsive and the ride is bumpy and the gearshift is lazy. The powertrain is a 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine. It does lack in power but it makes up for it by giving a characterful sound. The Micra has been awarded a four-star Euro NCAP rating which means it lags behind its rivals for safety. You do get four airbags, Isofix anchor points for child seats and electronic stability control. The Micra has a strong reliability record which plays a important role in Micra sales.

There is lots of cabin space due to an upright body. Two adults should be able to fit in at the back which also features a split/fold facility on Acenta and Tekna variants. The boot capacity is 265 litres which is more than you will get in a Mazda 2 or Hyundai i20. As it is expected from a supermini that its running costs are low so the 1.0 litre engine delivers 56.5mpg and the CO2 emissions are 115g/km. It is cheap to service and it falls in five insurance groups, meaning low cost cover. The depreciation is not so much as around 40% of Mirca’s hold on to their values. There is a good amount of kit available as well; Tekna variant gets a sat-nav parking sensors and climate control.

Jack Wilson is an expert in Subaru Engines. For latest news and views on Nissan Micra Engine UK please visit our blog @ Nissan Engines.