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Featured · Nissan · Reviews · Road Tests

Singin’ the Blues – with a Nissan Micra

  • by Mike Torpey
  • July 6, 2015

The blue rinse brigade hasn’t done the Nissan Micra too many favours down the years.

These senior citizens of the motoring world used to rattle round the suburbs in Austin Metro models at various stages of disintegration.

But the more reliable, if pretty characterless, Micra replaced those old rust buckets (the Metros I mean) and remained an inoffensive carriage of choice.

The latest generation though has seen the little Nissan become much more of a contender on the supermini scene – with sharper style, premium quality and some terrific engines.

Among them is the 1.2-litre direct injection supercharged DIG-S petrol unit, which develops 98bhp and boasts diesel-rivalling fuel economy of close on 66mpg, while its emissions are low at 99g/km.

NisMicra3With 112mph on tap from a five-speed manual gearbox and a 0-62mph sprint time of 11.4 seconds, this is a three-cylinder powerplant with proper credentials.

Though the Micra’s natural habitat is the supermarket, school and garden centre circuit – where it performs ably – it can hack it against the big boys on the motorway too.

It is easy to drive, comfortable to travel in, and capable of carrying five at a push – though you wouldn’t relish being piggy in the middle on anything other than a short trip.

Micra models now have a far bolder appeal with a new centre console, upgraded materials, more kit and USB connectivity all coming as standard.

NisMicra4

Athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson with her Nissan Micra

Also available is the latest NissanConnect navigation and communication system, which has fresh features and a bigger 5.8-inch screen with chrome controls.

Other attributes include Parking Slot Measurement, which helps guide the driver into tight parking spaces, and I-Key, which delivers keyless entry and engine start.

Four trim grades – Visia, ELLE, Acenta and Tekna – comprise the line-up and all cars come with the likes of remote central locking, front power windows, electric power steering, 14-inch wheels, CD sound system plus a full complement of safety kit including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain bags, ABS and ESP.

Micra prices start at £8,995 for the 1.2-litre Visia Limited Edition 12-valve model – and that makes far more appeal than the tested variant at almost £5,500 more.

That said the top spec Tekna trim transforms the humble Micra into a premium package.

  • SPEC CHECK

  • MAKE Nissan.
  • MODEL Micra 1.2 DIG-S Tekna. 
  • ENGINE 1,198cc, 3-cyl petrol.
  • POWER 98bhp at 3,600rpm.
  • PERFORMANCE 0-62 in 11.4 secs, top speed 112mph.
  • ECONOMY 54.3mpg Urban, 76.3 Extra Urban, 65.7 Combined.
  • CO2 EMISSIONS 99g/km
  • BiK RATING 14%
  • INSURANCE Group 5 (1-50)
  • PRICE £14,445 on the road.

  • WHAT’S HOT

  • Performance, economy, quality.
  • WHAT’S NOT
  • Price of tested model.
  • RATINGS  {rating}
  • LOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
  • EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
  • RIDE AND HANDLING . . . . . 4
  • PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . 4
  • VALUE FOR MONEY . . . . . . . 4

NisMicra2

 

Tags: DIG-SMicraNissanNissanConnectTekna

— Mike Torpey

Mike Torpey is freelance Motoring Editor of the Liverpool Echo, past Racing Editor and also a travel/golf writer, music reviewer and rock music nut. Tweet @michaeltorpey1

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