Nissan Micra

Nissan’s Micra has for a long time held the rather specific title of the most well equipped, quality built, quirky vehicle available in the segment. They’ve been around for quite some time in the rest of the world, proving their mettle against the best in the business. The Micra’s odd looks often being a draw card for consumer’s looking for something a little outside the box.

Now though the odd looks have faded for a more mainstream shell. And with it I fear most of the old Micra’s charm, value for money and exceptional build quality.

While the headlights still appear perched up on stalks, they now sit on an unremarkable face, a theme that continues through to the tail lights. While the designers have attempted some middle ground, all that has resulted is an ungainly and oddly proportioned vehicle.

Step inside the cabin of the new Micra and you’re met with a bland, unimaginative interior that appears to have been built out of below par plastics. The various odd and ends inside their have, well, odds and ends – sharp edges left over from production(dare I mention the Micra is now built exclusively in Thailand, Mexico, China and India). The only break in the blanketed black facia is the climate control housing – which is unfortunately grey.

That said there is a decent amount of kit thrown in for the list price of R 143 400 on my 1.5 litre Tekna model. The driver’s seat offers height adjustment, while the leather-covered multifunction steering wheel is adjustable for rake. The double glove box is just one of various hiding places scattered throughout the cabin, including a spot under the passenger seat cushion, in which you can hide your belongings. A comprehensive trip computer and audio system including 6 CD shuttle and iPod connectivity is standard. Climate control, Bluetooth compatibility, and auto headlights and windscreen wipers finish off the comprehensive list.

Jump behind the wheel and you’re met with typical supermini characteristics. Light, electrically assisted power steering gives the little Micra decent ability to nip in and out of traffic, a place you’d expect the Nissan to spend majority of its time. The easy clutch action is as light as a feather, another must if you’re going to spend much time in stuttering traffic. However none of the above is revolutionary, in fact it’s run of the mill these days.

The suspension manages to absorb majority of low speed jolts and bumps one might experience in the city. However get the Micra out on the open road and once again it fails to deliver anything extraordinary. The light and airy feeling that made town driving a pleasure now invokes an opposite emotion as it becomes wayward in responding to your command.

Funnily enough I found the front wheels were often overwhelmed by the 73kW surge emanating from the (sometimes rather noisy) four cylinder motor. In my mind this implies a low level of mechanic grip on offer; alternatively the unresponsive steering wasn’t giving me enough feedback to govern my eagerness on the throttle. Either way it’s not a positive attribute. That said the engine is a little workaholic, loves being revved, offers up smooth power delivery and returns decent fuel consumption. Pity the chassis isn’t up to the task.

So it’s a mixed bag then, and for me a mix of more bad than good. While Nissan offer an extensive list of components as standard, a price tag of R 143 400 is a lot for a supermini. Their 1.2 litre Visia (and Visia+) are more competitively priced in the segment and are probably going to account for a majority of Micra sales.

I just fail to see what Nissan offer as a draw card anymore. Where they once held a niche position that could easily target customers, they’ve now entered into a hotly contested market that is nigh on saturated with offerings that, put plainly, are just better. 

Price: R 143,400
Engine: 1461cc 4 cylinder petrol
Power: 73 kW
Torque: 134 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 11
Top speed (km/h): 180
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 6.3 (claimed)

Miles Downard