Micra has grown up and packs a punch

WE all have fond memories of the introduction of Nissan Micra many

years ago.

I think it raised a few eyebrows for its “different” styling and wasn’t exactly the prettiest vehicle on the road. The Micra has made a comeback and boy does it look good.

On the styling front, the designers have certainly got it right this time around. Part of the reason for this is that the new Micra is based on the Renault Clio platform, so the European influence is pretty evident. The Micra is grown up in every sense of the word. It’s bigger, longer and wider than the outgoing model.

The unusual shape of its predecessor has been swopped out and replaced by a dominating V-shaped grille in the front, while the redesigned rear tail lights are shaped like a boomerang. This new funky design and styling would even appeal to and attract the younger generation.

It isn’t just the exterior that’s had a make-over. The interior

too has undergone huge changes. It has a simple but neat interior with good quality plastics and a solid build.

As seems to be the norm these days with new cars, the Micra gets a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which allows you to control certain functions and is pretty user-friendly too.

The add-on in size is pretty evident, jumping in with ample space for occupants. Even passengers on the tall side won’t have any complaints about the

rear head and leg room.

Its impressive boot capacity of 300 litres will come in handy on those long trips and this extends to more than 1 000 litres

if you drop the rear seats down.

The Micra comes in a choice of three spec levels – Visia, Acenta and Acenta Plus. Each level boasts additional features

such as bigger alloys, leather or SatNav depending on the spec you choose. Regardless of the spec level, the standard features even on the entry-level Micra

are really impressive. Standard features such as ABS, hill start assist, six airbags, automatic headlights and cruise control make the Nissan Micra great value for money.

Based on the Clio platform, the Micra utilises a de-tuned version of the engine found in the Clio. It’s good for 66Kw and 140Nm from the 900cc three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

It might be a small engine in capacity but it packs a punch. I found it to be responsive and it enjoyed being

kept high on the rev range.

If you’re in the market for a B segment vehicle, the Micra is worth a test drive.

Visia ranges from R233 500, Acenta R257 400, Acenta Plus R272 400. The price includes a six-year or 150 000km warranty, three-year or 90 000km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Boyz Toyz: We have all at some point hit a pothole or had to pull out our rally driving skills to avoid one.

The damage a pothole can do to those shiny rims will leave anyone heartsore. Why not consider a rim protector?

It comes in 8m rolls and with an array of colours to suit your vehicle. It not only protects your rim but also adds a little extra visually. It’s a universal fit, so it should fit any size rim.

■ Jaweed Aniff is a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and has a motoring show, Motoring Master, broadcast weekly on the Breakfast Rush on 90.4fm.