Youthful appeal for all-new, high-tech Nissan Micra after getting a little ‘geriatric’ over recent generations…
Once upon a time, around the mid to late nineties, Nissan made a Micra that has proven to be relatively timeless in its design, sturdily built and absolutely bullet proof in regards the mechanicals.
That generation Micra is one which I rallied in over two seasons and one which is still a firm favourite within clubman motorsport due to affordability, agility and indestructibility. The same model however was incredibly ‘Japanese’ inside and even when new, would have been said to ooze cheap plastics.
The following couple of generations didn’t really improve much, the inside still as cheap, the outside designed by someone in a care home for the blind perhaps and this led the Micra to become a boring super-mini just like the Honda Jazz and VW’s Polo.
But with this all-new model, Nissan have set the Micra up to attract a different market and compete against the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford’s Fiesta whilst retaining the old guard who know the brand reliability and are loyal.
The all-new Micra arrives to challenge small car standards in design, comfort and performance with its daring design, sleek exterior, intelligent features and agile driving characteristics, the fifth generation Micra offers you a driving experience unlike any other.
Drive with agility and confidence as the Nissan Micra offers you an exciting yet secure ride by balancing manoeuvrability and refinement to perfection thanks to a plethora of intelligent technology on-board as follows.
Take corners with confidence as the Intelligent Trace Control system makes everyday driving that much easier, enabling you to drive with confidence and control whilst Nissan’s Intelligent Ride Control system works to achieve a smoother driving experience for you and your passengers – perfect for those city commutes.
The Intelligent Lane Intervention system allows the car to be gently pulled back into lane, if it has strayed outside – keeping you and your passengers safe at all times while Nissan’s Intelligent Emergency Braking system allows the car to spot what you may have missed, applying the brake for you in the event of an emergency.
The Nissan Micra makes parking easy, with its Intelligent Around-View Monitor – giving you a bird’s eye view, as well as a rear facing camera view on certain models.
The model range starts from £11,995 with the ‘Visia’ which is basic enough, however incredibly affordable and comes with all you would need from a car including a Bluetooth compatible audio system, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Lane Intervention and even Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian detection.
Next up is the ‘Visia+’ which adds Manual air conditioning and Stop/Start Technology with pricing starting from £12,945.
‘Acenta’ offers the perfect balance between design and modern technologies and is likely to be the most popular model, starting from £14,145 adds Body colour door handles, Cruise control, Advanced Drive Assist Display (5” TFT coloured screen) and 7” Touchscreen Display Audio along with App integration and Apple Carplay.
The ‘N-Connecta’ provides you with 16″ Alloy wheels, Electrically folding heated door mirrors with LED turn indicator, Rear Privacy Glass, Leather steering wheel, Automatic air conditioning and NissanConnect Touchscreen Navigation and Entertainment System – this model starts from £16,115.
Finally, the range topping ‘Tekna’, as tested, starts from £17,435 and is a great indulgence of motoring pleasure featuring 17″ Alloy wheels, Leather wrapped gear knob with silver decoration, Nissan Intelligent Key and Start push button, Rear view camera with Rear parking sensors and a phenomenal BOSE© Personal audio pack featuring two driver headrest speakers.
Engine wise, just three options are available – a brace of petrol’s and a single diesel offering, all connected to a smooth and precise five-speed manual gearbox and all are front-wheel-drive. I expect some sort of hybrid engine as well as an auto ‘box to be introduced at some point in 2018.
Starting with the diesel, this 1.5L DCi unit produces 90PS with a combined fuel consumption of between 76.3 – 88.3mpg whilst CO2 emissions are a mere 97 – 85g/km, spec dependant.
The petrol power-trains start with a very lack-lustre 1.0L producing 71PS with a claimed combined economy of 58.9 – 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 108 – 103g/km whilst a more potent 0.9L turbocharged engine, as tested in this review, provides 90PS with combined economy of 61.4 – 64.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 104 – 99g/km, model dependant.
Zero to 60mph times across the range are just over 11.5 seconds which for what the Micra is, is acceptable, providing more than enough oomph around town and just enough on a long commute – I found the turbocharged petrol engine to have a decent range of usable torque despite its low capacity.
I must say I am quite impressed with the affordability, style and tech on this all-new Nissan Micra provided to us thanks to Charles Hurst Nissan, Belfast and it is certainly now a fair fight against the usual suspects so worth considering if you are in the market for an affordable, well-packed super-mini.
Via the images you may well have noticed the #MindYourMood livery on this all-new Micra.
‘Mind Your Mood’ is a University of Ulster, student-lead initiative that aims to improve mental health and raise awareness. As something close to my heart I will say to every reader, young and old, no matter how bad you think things are, TALK…
You are not alone and help is available!!!
Words & Photos: Graham Curry
[images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the photographer]
