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New Nissan Micra on a charge for sales with manual joining automatic
publication date: Oct 1, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Nissan
is on a charge with the latest Micra city-car.
The
original new Micra automatic went on sale at the beginning of 2011 and has now
been joined by the supercharged manual version to widen still further the
appeal of this cheap to buy and run versatile five-door. Whereas
the original Micra was available with a diesel engine to stretch economy, the
latest Nissan technology has been brought to bear and the three-cylinder 1198cc
engine has been recalibrated and fitted with a small supercharger. |  | This
not only boosts power over the standard engine by 22pc to deliver 98bhp, but it
also improves the driveability and economy while slipping in below the all important
sub-100gkm marker with emissions down to 95gkm and even the most popular version
emits 99gkm, although taking the choice of a CVT will raise this to 115gkm.
With
the five-speed manual gearbox it is claimed the new Nissan Micra DIG-S will
give an urban fuel consumption of 54.3mpg, extra urban 76.4mpg and combined
65.7mpg, with a maximum speed of 112mph and 0-62mph time of 11.3secs. The CVT
derivative pushes down the economy figures by an average of 15pc but
acceleration and top speed are hardly affected.
The Micra DIG-S is
fitted with stop & start technology and a regenerative alternator to
minimise fuel wastage and the 12v 3cyl 1200cc engine has performance normally
found in a normally aspirated 1500cc engine with the economy usually found in a
diesel. To reduce inefficient power loss within the engine operating system the
Miller Cycle is incorporated, allowing the inlet valve to stay open longer,
along with a higher compression ratio, so the compression stroke becomes more
efficient.
With
diesel prices above those of petrol and with no performance penalty either but
on the other hand a distinct power advantage, Nissan believes the arrival of the Micra DIG-S will
attract more buyers to the brand, particularly with the zero VED and exclusion
from congestion charging in London.
Its
urban credentials are reinforced with a very tight turning circle of just 4.65m
and the offering of a very sophisticated sound system, parking assistance and attractive
standard features which on some versions include an advanced satnav set up.
With
the Micra DIG-S, there is a more aerodynamic body with subtle changes to the
front and rear ends as well and its available only in the familiar five-door
body style with no plans for a three-door.
The
new version follows the familiar Nissan trim grades, Visia, Acenta and Tekna
and they are approximately £1,000 more than the normally aspirated Micra, with
the CVT option adding a further £1,000. That means the Visa is £11,150, the
Acenta £12,150 and Tekna £13,650 while insurance is group 8E for the entry
model and others are 9E, again a slight increase over the usual 1200cc model.
Nissan
UK small cars category manager Paul O'Neill said it was anticipated they will
sell 14,000 Micras in Britain this year,
about the same as last year, and over 15pc are expected to be the DIG-S
versions.
"We
think the improved performance, both in terms of speed and economy, and the
higher equipment levels as well as the availability of the CVT will attract new
buyers for Micra," he said.
"The
Micra has a very loyal buyer base, some 70pc come back and buy another, but I
think we might see 45pc of new Micra sales will be conquest and they will
mainly choose the DIG-S for its added performance and diesel-like economy."
He
said, "I believe Acenta will take 70pc of sales, Visia 20pc and Tekna about
10pc but CVT is likely to be in single figures, although I could be proved
wrong if drivers really want a sophisticated small car with the easy driving
attributes of a much larger model."
O'Neill
also believes a slightly younger age group will go for the DIG-S compared with
the standard model, adding, "We are predicting the average age of the new
model's buyer will be 45-plus, slightly lower than the traditional Micra buyer,
because it has a more youthful appeal with its performance and on-board
technology and which you will not want to do without once you've tried it." | | | First impressions
The
surprisingly smooth three-cylinder 1.2 litre engine is enhanced further by the
supercharger and the result is a remarkably lively and responsive engine.
There
did not seem to be any hesitation in getting away, keeping the momentum going
or having some more power available if you needed it. |  | The
light and direct five-speed manual gearbox is also a good match with its ease
and precision but more than once I wished for a sixth gear, particularly on a
stretch of motorway.
While
the engine sounded no sign of stress you only had to look at the way the fuel
consumption had risen on the motorway after more give and take conditions on
semi-urban roads to appreciate this is a car which is in its element at lower
speed. Overall I attained 47.7mpg.
The
adjustable steering column is useful and system has a good turning circle in
town without being too twitchy at speed. Brakes are very smooth and powerful
for this size of car.
Ride
quality is reasonably good and the seats supporting, the Micra DIG-S did roll a
bit on tighter bends, but visibility is very good and general noise levels are
all very low.
With
the 98ps engine under the bonnet it feels agile and with the high levels of
equipment it is a sophisticated small car which must be considered for
commuting.
My
eyes were opened by the new Micra Tekna 1.2 DIG-S with the £1,000 optional CVT
taking it to an on-road price of £14,650.
The
additional power of the new direct fuel injection engine and its supercharger
are beautifully balanced by the easy and progressive transmission.
Apart
from simply selecting Drive and getting going you have a useful Low range for
bad weather conditions or steep descents with a load aboard.
It
is happy to trundle along trunk roads but there is very rapid response to
kick-down if you need to overtake swiftly and safely and acceleration comes in
smoothly and strongly without the engine straining.
What
is more, the fuel economy on my brief test of the CVT actually worked out
better at 55.4mpg which suggests a better matched and tuned powertrain than in
the manual.
It
is slightly heavier, which makes the improved economy even more significant,
and it did not have quite such an absorbent ride but the banging from the suspension
did little to ruffle the ride too much.
This
is arguably the version for the driver who puts ease before effort and wants
economy without enduring cheapness. ©
Robin Roberts |
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