The Nissan Micra is now in its 4th generation and is easy to drive, cheap to run and despite
its name is actually rather spacious -- thanks to its practical 5 door body shape.
It's recently undergone a facelift and gets new front wings, bonnet, headlights and rear
bumper helping to create a cleaner look like a baby Qashqai.
It's a decent size and if you go for one of the two top trim levels the rear seats fold
down to create even more room.
use these seats for passengers though and you can just about squeeze 3 adults sitting
side by side fairly comfortably.
Elbow room might be a bit tight, but that sort of thing comes part and parcel with supermini
ownership.
Head room and leg room is surprisingly good for a car like this...
There should be a spec level to suit all, and list prices are on a par with the class-leading
Ford Fiesta.
The very basic entry level Visia model doesn't come with air con, but you can add that as
an optional extra -- and it does have electric windows and central locking.
The Acenta adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control and cruise control
while Tekna is the ultimate city car with sat nav and parking aids.
Storage is very good
Whichever model you go for the turning circle on this little car is very impressive making
it easy to maneuver and park -- especially if you have the top model fitted with a system
that measures the size of parking spaces.
Although you can't get it with a diesel engine, it should be cheap to run none the less.
It is fitted with a 1.2 litre engine and you can either go for 79bhp or 97bhp.
Don't think less power means better on fuel though, surprisingly the more powerful one
is the better option because it qualifies for free road tax and returns 65.7 miles to
the gallon versus the less powerful one costing £30 a year to tax and returning 56.5 miles
to the gallon.
That said, all Micra models are going to be really cheap to run because servicing starts
at just £109!
What it won't be though is a fun car to drive, it has unresponsive steering and a lot of
lean in the corners, you need a Ford Fiesta for that fun factor... nor does it feel up
market inside, a Volkswagen Polo beats it hands down -- and so does the Ford Fiesta
actually.
Another issue I have with this car is if you go for the basic model there is no height
adjustment in the seat and the steering wheel only has height but no reach.
No wonder driving schools have jumped ship to Ford, Vauxhall and even Kia -- because
getting comfortable is key.
What's more, it only managed a now disappointing 4 stars in the EURO NCAP safety tests with
a weakness in protection for driver's legs and neck protection in a rear impact was judged
to be average.
Most of its more modern rivals, such as the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208 and Hyundai i20
all managed five stars in the same stringent tests.
Having said that all Micras do come with 6 airbags, anti lock brakes and electronic stability
control as standard.
So it's not all bad.
Plus it's easy to drive, perfect for zipping around town and boasts a decent amount of
space despite its size.
If you would like to check out its competition watch the Ford Fiesta video here and the new
Renault Clio here, or alternatively, click here for our latest video review.
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