What is it?
This is Micra with a mission, built to meet the needs of many more markets than the last – 160 in all – which is why it’s less distinctively realised than the previous, UK-built K12 edition.
This is our first chance to try this Indian-built, global car on European roads, where it has been part-honed for by Nissan’s Cranfield engineering centre. Our test variant is equipped a 1.2-litre petrol 5dr.
See the test pics of the new Nissan Micra
What’s it like?
The good news first – the all-new, three-cylinder motor is a smooth spinner and unlike most of the breed, idles with barely a tremor.
Its 115g/km of CO2 and 56.5mpg are competitive too, especially for the entry-price, but it’s short of the eager zip of Suzuki’s new four cylinder 1.2 Swift engine.
The new (and conventional) suspension, mounted in a lighter, stiffer shell, rides decently enough, but mildly charging some damp Danish roundabouts had the front-end slithering like a landing duck on ice.
The electrically assisted steering may be better than some, but this Micra is not a car whose dynamics entertain. Instead, it’s better on practicalities. There’s more room in the rear, the boot is adequate, properly-folding rear seats provide a big, flat-floored loadspace and there’s plenty of in-cabin storage, including a well beneath a lift-up cushion in the front passenger seat.
Excellent, affordably-priced sat nav, sensors that reveal whether a parking space is Micra-sized and slender A-pillars make this an easier machine to man-handle. Less clever is an absent power socket.
Should I buy one?
Well, it’s keenly priced, well-equipped and will be cheap to run. But after the style of Nissan’s Qashqai and Juke, it’s easy to feel disappointed.
Next to the outgoing Micra this version looks older, boldness traded for lower common denominator global appeal – it lacks the visual (and dynamic) verve of a Swift or a Fiesta, and the smooth three-cylinder doesn’t compensate for its average dynamics and dull style.
Richard Bremner
Nissan Micra 1.2 Accenta
Price: £10,595; Top speed: 106mph; 0-62mph: 13.7sec; Economy: 56.5mpg; CO2: 115g/km; Kerb weight: 915kg; Engine, type, cc: 3 cyls, 1198cc, petrol; Power: 79bhp at 6000rpm; Torque: 81lb ft at 4000rpm; Gearbox: 5-spd manual
Join the debate
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
This is really disappointing for Nissan. It looks like a rite turd. It looks a bit too "third world" IMO. It looks like it might fit in just nicely in a showroom selling Tata Nanos. This could be the next model up... Just. I thought I'd never say it.... I'd rather a Hyundai, and actually, by a considerable margin. Nissans larger cars are ok but their small cars like this and the pixo are just naff.
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
Consumer warning: best before seeing it.
Looks dated. Needs a major facelift NOW. Why should a "world car" look dull? What sells in Europe, sells everywhere. I really waited for Nissan's new Micra because the current car is so unique and fun, but this... I'd buy almost anything else in this class. Shame on you, Nissan!
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
i predict a huge sales success for this. People who buy Micras dont want flash, they want what they already know.Its a Nissan, its reliable, its cheap to buy and run, it doesnt look offensive. For the majority of people who would have considered a Micra theis car will provide everything they want at a lower price than they might have expected.
For some reason people on this forum think all new cars should be aimed at enthusiasts. Time for a reality check. Most cars are not bought by enthusiasts, most are people who just want to get from A to B. This might not be much more than automotive white goods, but thats just why it will sell so well.
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
For some reason people on this forum think all new cars should be aimed at enthusiasts. Time for a reality check. Most cars are not bought by enthusiasts, most are people who just want to get from A to B. This might not be much more than automotive white goods, but thats just why it will sell so well.
You're right...and for the rest of us there's the Juke! I'm not being sarcastic btw. I think the Juke is a great little car...
Guess what- I'm not a robot.
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
I really waited for Nissan's new Micra because the current car is so unique and fun, but this... I'd buy almost anything else in this class. Shame on you, Nissan!
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
What sells in Europe, sells everywhere.
Not quite. Like another member said, those who purchase a Micra will be more interested in reliability, running costs and vaule for money. Global orders have already exceeded 54,000 units in just 6 months; 3,000 in China, 4,000 in India, 21,900 in Japan and many more going to other countries.
I'm more concerned about the price however. A 1.2 Tekna 5dr manual is likely to set you back £14,500. I'm dreading how much Nissan will charge for the turbo-charged Micra in Tekna form...
While I've ordered a new Swift, I may cancel and check out the Micra instead.
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
Whilst it's good to see something genuinely cheaper than the rest of the competition, and something that's also green, at the same time it's a shame that the car itself has to be so dull - both in terms of styling and range/variety. It just makes the Micra seem like too much of a cheap/value car. I'll be sad to see the previous-generation Micra go.
"The creative adult is the child who survived."
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
I really like it. It´s just a plain car, not pretending to be anything else. Hopefully the marketing will reflect the design and not try to sell the thing as something sporty, fun, young, or whatever else is being branded as hip.
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
Hang on a minute. So the new Micra is light, efficient, cheap as chips, comfortable and easy to drive. Isn't this what small cars are supposed to be? The car tested here is £1000 cheaper than a Fiesta with two fewer doors and 20 less horsepower, so I'll take that staid styling and dumb handling. Nissan may not please the enthusiast, but I think the company has judged the market well this time round.
Re: Nissan Micra 1.2
Is this £10.5K or £8.9? two different prices in the report, no explanation of the difference.
