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First impression: Macho Micra
publication date: Oct 9, 2010
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author/source: Edward Stephens
It's the manly
Micra.
The fourth
generation of the car, which for the last 27 years has been so popular with
women drivers, goes on UK sale in December aimed at a broader market. Over five million Micras
have been produced since 1983 and in the UK there are still some 355,000 on the
road. |  |
"The outgoing model
is more feminine but the new one has to appeal to a wider audience," a Nissan
spokesman told me. "The front has been made more masculine and the wheels have
been pushed out more to make it look that little bit harder."
The all-new model
gets a new engine which Nissan says no other manufacturer can beat in terms of
economy and low emissions. The 1.2-litre, three cylinder, 80bhp petrol engine
will average almost 59 miles per gallon and has CO2 emissions of just 115g/km -
figures Nissan boasts are better than most diesels.
But if you think
this is good the Japanese manufacturer has something even better on the
horizon. From next year there will be a 100bhp supercharged version of the same
engine available which could average more than 70 miles per gallon and emit
just 95g/km of CO2, so buyers won't have to pay any road tax.
|  | The new car built on
a lightweight platform is 61 mm longer than the outgoing model and 10 mm lower
and there is more legroom in the rear and more headroom.
Prices start from
£8,995 for the Visia, £10,595 for the Acenta and £12,095 for the flagship Tekna
model. Only one engine will be available although you can have it with a five
speed manual gearbox or pay an extra £950 for the CVT version. |
Nissan designers
have worked hard to ensure a weight reduction in as many components as
possible, ranging from the exhaust system to the fuel tank and their attention
to detail has gone to their heads, literally.
They have even
created an embossed boomerang shape on the roof which, although it might look
as if it's there for cosmetic reasons, has really been added for additional
strength so there is no vibration at speed leading to a "body booming"
affect. The boomerang has allowed them to omit the traditional centre roof
strengthening bar, thus saving an extra 2.2 kilos.
For the first time
ever production will come from plants outside Japan and Europe, with UK models
coming from the new Chennai plant in India.
On the road it does
the job well, living up to all expectations.
|  | Get behind the wheel
of the new Micra and the first thing that strikes you when you turn the
ignition key is just how refined the engine is for a three cylinder unit.
Nissan has worked hard modify it to sound more like a four rather than three
cylinder one.
The dashboard design
features what Nissan calls a twin bubble theme - which matches the circular
instrument binnacle with a similarly shaped glovebox in front of the front seat
passenger. It's clean, neat and tidy, although it looks better in the optional
twin colours. | | | |
It was never
designed to be a road rocket, 13.7 seconds 0-62 mph, top speed 105mph for the
manual, but it certainly doesn't disappoint, bearing in mind the relatively
small size of the power plant. And for city work I preferred the CVT version
which offers relaxed driving.
The low waistline
gives great visibility while the high wings make it easy for anyone who
struggles with parking to see exactly where the car ends.
The ride quality is
impressive, as the car absorbs bumps well, and the electric power steering is
very precise with plenty of feedback.
An incredibly small
turning circle means it's easy to manoeuvre and park and for those who want it
the new car will be available with a parking system which scans the gap you
want to get into and tells you if it's OK, difficult or not advisable. It's
standard on Tekna models and an option on Acentas.
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Micra
buyers are exceptionally loyal, with large numbers only trading their old ones
when a new one is available. Nissan is convinced it will be able to seduce them
with the new generation car. |  |
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