Unfortunately, I never drove the old Micra, but from what I am told it was small and more expensive. The new Micra is bigger and cheaper. Plus, it has surprising oomph!
The new model is Nissan’s first vehicle to use its new V-platform (‘V’ for versatile). It is also the first to use an advanced, low-emission three-cylinder engine. And it’s the first to be built in four international manufacturing plants in China, Thailand, India and Mexico.
The Micra’s looks aren’t the sexiest I’ve ever seen, but this is not what it’s made for, I suppose. Nissan has retained the rounded profile of the outgoing Micra, but it is a bit bolder and the front and rear are entirely new.
Step inside and a twin bubble design is evident. The seats are comfortable and there is ample storage space. Talking of space, there is enough of that, too, even if it doesn’t look like it from the outside.
I first drove the new three-cylinder 1,2 Visia+, which blew me away with its unexpected turn of speed (even with the air-conditioning switched on, which was ice cold, by the way).
We drove to Kalk Bay along Boyes Drive, where this little guy had no problem handling the twisty bits. It proved very nippy, especially with its turning circle of 4,6 metres. On the way, I hopped into the 1,5-litre model. This engine was as impressive, if not more, and surprisingly torquey.
The Micra launches with the 1,2-litre petrol engine available in three specification grades, Visia, Visia+ and Acenta. All models come standard with electric power steering and ABS with brake assist. The range in South Africa also includes a 1,5 dCi turbodiesel and the 1,5-litre petrol, available in Acenta and Tekna.
The highlight of the range is undoubtedly the new 1,2-litre. It produces 56 kW and 104 N.m of torque, and has a claimed fuel consumption of 5,2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 124g/km.
The 1,5-litre engine develops 73 kW and 138 N.m. Its claimed fuel consumption is 6,3 litres/100km and the CO2 emissions are 150g/km.
Pricing ranges from R108 400 for the entry-level 1,2 Visia to R143 400 for the range-topping 1,5 Tekna. All models comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty. A service plan is optional.