The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Behind the wheel Nissan Micra
NISSAN’S keen to point out it’s listened to customer feedback on the latest Micra. Although the car’s only been out for two years, drivers criticised the engines, calling them underpowered and bemoaning the lack of an automatic gearbox. So, this early-life upgrade addresses those points and gives the popular supermini a new edge – essential in such a crowded and talented marketplace, where bestsellers, such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, dominate.
This isn’t a facelift, and so 2019 Micras don’t look any different to their predecessors on the outside. The changes come under the bonnet, where Nissan’s fitted new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines to replace the ageing and not particularly good 0.9-litre unit. They offer 99bhp and 116bhp, and
the former can be mated to an automatic gearbox, which is a first on this generation of Micra.
Nissan’s also introduced a new ‘sporty’ trim level. Called N-Sport, it’s available exclusively with the higher-powered engine and aims to take the fight to the Ford Fiesta ST-Line and Volkswagen Polo R-Line. Finally, there’s a new NissanConnect infotainment system – a vital upgrade.
The Micra still offers the basic 1.0-litre non-turbocharged petrol engine and 1.5-litre diesel engines as before, but the big talk is on the two new 1.0-litre turbos. The higher-powered unit is fitted with the Micra’s first six-speed manual gearbox, and offers comparable performance to most of its main rivals. However, for all Nissan’s claims of it being a ‘warm hatch’ the tinny sound, rubbery gearbox and reluctant power delivery mean it’s far from a thrill.
Far more pleasant is the new 99bhp unit, which revs cleanly, albeit with an alarming turbine-style whirr. It can be had with an adequate five-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Surprisingly, we’d actually recommend choosing the auto – it’s one of the best of its breed, and manages to resist the urge to send the revs spiralling at the merest mention of throttle input.
The higher-powered engine comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a quicker steering rack and lowered sports suspension. It makes the Micra more agile than the likes of the VW Polo and it’s easy to fling about city streets.
The Micra’s interior is generally one of the car’s strong points. The sharply designed dashboard and lashings of interesting material choices – plus the sheer level of personalisation on offer – ensure there’s something to appeal to almost everyone.
The headline upgrade has to be the new NissanConnect infotainment system. It now offers live services, but crucial for attracting younger buyers it also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
These new engines are a vast improvement over the old 0.9-litre, and definitely make the Micra worth further consideration. In fact, this updated model feels like the car that the Micra should have been at launch. It’s some way off the class best when it comes to driving dynamics, but now offers the same excellent economy, good levels of equipment and sharp looks as it did before, just without the poor engine to hold it back. The Xtronic auto, meanwhile, could be one of the best non-electric inner-city cars you can buy.