New Nissan Micra is a classy supermini
The countdown is on to the launch of the new Nissan Micra and to celebrate Macklin Motors Nissan are hosting a VIP event from Friday, April 7 until Sunday, April 9.
And anticipation is growing for the new and classy supermini Micra.
Now in its fifth generation, the new Micra comes with some class leading technology including automatic emergency braking as standard, a lane departure system that stops the car from straying and a surround view camera system.
The camera gathers images from the front, back and side of the car, and it provides the driver with a virtual 360 degree view of what’s around – very handy when manoeuvring.
And, as the Nissan team was keen to point out, that field of view is better than any human can manage.
Apparently a cat’s vision is better and pigeons have almost complete all- round peripheral vision - but still not as much as the Micra. Such a device is actually a welcome feature on the new model since rearward vision is compromised by some sizeable back pillars, as is the case on so many small cars these days.
On higher grade Micras, the view is backed up with a full colour reversing camera and, although the new model is bigger than before, it’s easy to park – in fact it’s easy going all round.
Sharply styled and with all the necessary mod cons on the technology front, Nissan is planning on making its new baby a top 10 seller in a market dominated by the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
The new Micra is very much a car for Europe. It is built in France alongside the Renault Clio thanks to Nissan’s global alliance with the French auto giant.
The previous model came from India after Nissan shifted Micra production away from the UK where it was built at Nissan’s Sunderland factory – now home to the top selling Qashqai, Note and Leaf electric vehicle – from 1992 to 2010.
Prices are likely to start from £ 11,995 when the new Micra arrives and that will be for a 1.0- litre petrol model. A 1.5- litre diesel will also be part of the line- up, from £ 14,195.
That’s competitive but mainstream and the Micra comes into its own in higher specification N Connecta and Tekna trim, where the price starts at £ 15,995.
At this level the Micra is a little limo and the Tekna grade model you could opt for has two- tone soft touch leather trim, a seven- inch colour touch screen with a sat nav and ‘ infotainment’ system that includes a high- end Bose personal audio system, complete with surround sound high fidelity speakers mounted in the driver’s head rest.
It brings top quality audio to the small car market and overall the entire feel and look of the Micra cockpit is very upmarket.
The Micra is a good looking, five door hatch, comfortable inside and has boot space ranging from 300 to 1,004 litres.
The new one has broader appeal than any of the previous versions and is a supermini that’s bang up to date in every aspect.