Whether you loved or hated its off-the-wall, Noddy-car styling, Nissan’s previous-generation Micra certainly stood out in a parking lot.
With its bug-eyed, split-grille front end and the rear’s slight resemblance to a London taxi, the car had that “I am what I am” air about it, not worried about whether it elicited praise or pity, as the song goes.
The new Micra’s gone for a safer, more conventional look and while understanding the rands and sense of this in that it’ll probably sell more cars, I’m a little sad to see the car lose some of its charismatic quirkiness. It’s not that the new Micra’s bad looking; it’s a neat and modern shape with a hint of cuteness. It’s just that it’s more generic, please-the-masses kind of styling that doesn’t make any particular statement.
Like I said, this will probably make it more successful in the sales charts. But underneath that wrapping, whatever your opinion of it, is a little car with a lot of substance.
South Africa’s buying-down trend has seen an unprecedented number of small hatchbacks being launched in the 100 to 150 grand segment recently, and throwing a sub-standard car into this competitive piranha pond would quickly see it getting eaten alive in the sales charts.
I don’t think that will happen to the Micra as it gets all the important stuff right. Though small in size it boasts impressive safety, sophistication and spec levels, and is offered in quite a broad line-up of derivatives to suit differing budgets: across a five-model range there’s a choice of 1.2-litre or 1.5-litre petrol engines or a 1.5 diesel as well as various trims.
On test here is the Micra 1.2 in high-level Acenta spec selling for R127 500, though you can also buy the 1.2 for R108 400 if you can live with features like manual-opening windows and doorlocks.
All Micras come standard with electric power steering, ABS brakes, and dual front airbags, but the Acenta also gets remote central locking, aircon, front electric windows, a radio/CD, electric mirrors in body colour, onboard computer, and side airbags.
The steering column adjusts for tilt only, not reach, however I was still easily able to find a comfy driving position for my six-foot frame.
This is the first time we’ve experienced Nissan’s new three-cylinder 1 200cc petrol engine which wields 56kW and 104Nm and it’s quite a charmer. The little engine performs admirably for its size, aided by a good power-to-weight ratio as the car weighs just under 1 000kg.
The car delivers decent pace both in commuting and open road driving where it has a rated top speed of 166km/h, but the only issue is it lacks some low-down grunt and needs to be revved a bit before coming on song. Once you get used to doing this, it’s not a problem. The little engine doesn’t become unpleasantly vocal at higher rpm and the Micra’s overall refinement is good.
Fuel consumption in our test car was 6 litres per 100km, giving the tiny 41-litre fuel tank a generous range of over 650km, and Nissan claims that 5.2 litres is possible if you drive like Miss Daisy.
The Micra’s an easy, unchallenging car to drive with light and smooth controls, and being so small it’s a doddle to park. The five-speed transmission’s acceptably smooth in normal driving but feels a little notchy when you try and rush the changes.
The Micra’s interior space is good for this class, and two normal-sized adults will fit comfortably in the back. The 251-litre boot’s small but not as cramped as some of the Micra’s rivals, but this is partly achieved by using one of those hated spacesaver spare wheels.
As for the interior styling, Nissan’s followed much the same play-it-safe recipe as the outside. It’s all neat and ergonomically efficient but looks rather bland due to almost everything being monochromatically black. The cabin could do with a splash of extra silver here and there, as found on the steering wheel, to liven things up.
I was impressed with this little Nissan’s suspension, which deals with speedhumps and rough roads in a very unobtrusive manner, even if you’re in a bit of a hurry. The car also seems solidly screwed together, with nary a rattle to be heard.
VERDICT
Micras come with a 3-year/100 000km warranty but a 60 000km service plan is an optional extra, where rivals like the Toyota Aygo and Suzuki Alto have standard service plans. The Micra’s also said to have the lowest cost per kilometer and lowest Kinsey parts basket value in its class, according to Nissan.
The little Nissan’s a great all round package, proving that compact needn’t mean cramped and budget-priced needn’t mean basic. -Star Motoring