MIGHTY MICRA IS A GAME-CHANGER
Little Nissan is transformed from dowdy runabout into sleek supermini, says Martin Brennan
“C HASSIS Control, who would need that on a Micra?” said my driving companion as we got behind the wheel of the fifth generation of Nissan’s supermini, which over 34 years in various incarnations was viewed as a car for pottering about town. But the new model is a mind-changer and, in the words of the design team, is “revolutionary, not evolutionary”.
And having driven it, the consensus is that Nissan has pressed all the buttons and has come up with a formula that can take on the best of the opposition.
Take a seat in the new Micra, which goes on sale here in April, and you will be amazed at the advanced technology that Nissan has tucked away under the striking new styling lines and sleek lights. Entering a crowded segment of the market where Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia and many others have recently been glammed up and upgraded, the Micra now stands out as arguably the best looker of them all. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but nobody can deny that the Micra has grown from a frumpy teenager into a glamorous young lady with lots of pleasing surprises.
Apart from the impressive exterior shape, the amount of advanced technology available is up to executive car standards if all the available bells and whistles are included. The Chassis Control incorporates Ride Control and Trace Control, which governs engine torque and braking to keep the car more settled and also tightens the cornering line in fast driving. Also available is a forward emergency braking system to prevent shunts and even detects pedestrians, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, surround-view monitors, speed limiter and automatic hazard lights. And there is more in a long list of safety options.
The interior controls wish list can get you a reversing camera, sat nav on a 7” screen, Apple CarPlay (Android is not available yet), Nissan phone connect, traffic information, hill assist, stop-start and much more. Those who want the best sound from their music can specify Bose speakers which are incorporated into the driver’s headrest.
The new model is bigger and more spacious with a 300 litre boot, but like all supermini models the rear legroom is a tight fit for tall occupants.
Sitting on a new platform, the Micra now has the job of not only replacing the lacklustre predecessor but also the mini MPV Note, which will disappear when sales run out at the end of the year. Three engines are on offer: a one-litre 73bhp petrol unit which will account for 75 per cent of sales; a slightly more expensive 0.9-litre 90bhp turbocharged petrol unit; and a 1.5-litre diesel. There are four levels of trim, with prices expected to start in the region of €16,500. Full specification and prices will be announced on Tuesday. Nissan predict 2,000 sales this year and 3,000 in a full year. The Ford Fiesta and VW Polo are the targets for conquest sales.
The turbocharged 0.9-litre engine tested was smooth with a good flow of power through the fivespeed gearbox. The cabin is well insulated with wind and tyre noise kept to a minimum.
Depending on tyre size, the C02 emissions run between 99 and 104g/ km (€180 road tax) with claimed fuel consumption at 4.2l/lkm (61mpg). Light steering and supportive seats make for comfortable travel.
“Everything is different except the name,” Nissan designers say. The Micra is now built in France with European customers in mind. The previous model was built in Asia and was considered femaleorientated but the new model is designed to have male appeal also. A good range of colours and interior trims allow for up to 125 personalisation options.
The big task facing Nissan now is to change the perception of the Micra in minds of young motorists while retaining the loyalty of the grey brigade. Automatic versions of the outgoing model will still be available, as the Micra has a strong base in this niche market. An automatic version of the new model will arrive later.