What’s the Nissan Micra like inside?
The Micra’s interior is generally one of the car’s strong points. Although space inside is only really average for the class, the sharply designed dashboard and lashings of interesting material choices – plus the sheer level of personalisation on offer – ensure there’s something to appeal to almost everyone.
The headline upgrade, though, has to be the new NissanConnect infotainment system. It now offers live services, but crucial for attracting younger buyers it also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It’s a big improvement over the old system, with greater responsiveness and a clear, easy-to-operate menu system – although the inbuilt sat nav can be a little dim-witted.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Micra still offers the basic 1.0-litre non-turbocharged petrol engine and 1.5-litre diesel engines as before, but the big talk is on the two new 1.0-litre turbos.
The higher-powered unit is fitted with the Micra’s first six-speed manual gearbox, and offers comparable performance to most of its main rivals. However, for all Nissan’s claims of it being a ‘warm hatch’ the tinny sound, rubbery gearbox and reluctant power delivery mean it’s far from a thrill.
Far more pleasant is the new 100hp unit, which revs cleanly albeit with an alarming turbine-style whirr. It can be had with an adequate five-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Surprisingly, we’d actually recommend choosing the auto – it’s one of the best of its breed, and manages to resist the urge to send the revs spiralling at the merest mention of throttle input.
What’s the Nissan Micra like to drive?
The higher-powered engine comes complete with 17-inch alloy wheels, a quicker steering rack and lowered sports suspension. It makes the Micra more agile than the likes of the VW Polo, and it’s certainly easy to fling about city streets. It can’t hold a candle to the Ford Fiesta on the handling front, however.
Lower-powered models with the standard suspension do tend to lean through the bends but the payoff is a very forgiving ride – the Micra is one comfortable supermini. We weren’t able to test the limits of its ability too much on our soaking wet Portuguese test route, but the levels of grip and response from the steering were easily up there with the rest of its competitors.
Verdict
These new engines are a vast improvement over the old 0.9-litre – and they definitely make the Micra worth further consideration. In fact, this updated model feels like the car that the Micra should have been at launch.
It’s some way off the class best when it comes to driving dynamics, but now offers the same excellent economy, good levels of equipment and sharp looks as it did before, just without the poor engine to hold it back.
The Xtronic automatic, meanwhile, could be one of the best non-electric inner-city cars you can buy.
Similar cars
Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo
Key specifications
Model as tested: Nissan Micra N-Sport
Price (on-road): £19,005
Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Power: 118 hp
Torque: 244 Nm
Top speed: 121mph
0-60mph: 9.9 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 56.5 mpg
CO2 emissions: 114 g/km