Nissan’s magical Micra gets a stylish makeover

Published on 5 September, 2017

The new Nissan Micra is like a caterpillar that has morphed into a beautiful butterfly.

Overview

The new Nissan Micra is like a caterpillar that has morphed into a beautiful butterfly. Since it first rolled off the production line way back in 1982, the Nissan Micra has undergone many changes.I remember as a young boy squashing into my best pal’s dad’s first-generation model heading off at weekends to football matches and scout trips.It’s so vivid in my memory that I (sadly) even remember the registration of the 1982 model – KZG 175.The Micra always held a special place in the Irish motorists’ hearts. It’s a car many of us learned to drive in, and it’s the one car that almost everybody in this country will have some experience of.However, the Micra has come a long way since those days and the latest model to roll off the production line can only be described as revolutionary compared to that first-generation model that I spent so much of my youth in traipsing up and down the country.On the outside, the designers at Nissan HQ have done a remarkable job in making the latest model stylish and youthful.Design cues include the distinctive V-motion grille, from where the sharp-edged character line runs through to the rear end, boomerang-shaped lights, and the floating roof.On the inside, there are many changes and there’s a real premium feel to this much-loved car’s interior. My test car was loaded with the latest technology that you would pay big bucks for in more expensive models.Some of these features included lane-departure prevention, emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, as well as around view monitor, traffic-sign recognition, high-beam assist and blind-spot warning.Space-wise, the new Micra is bigger and better than ever. The car’s extended width and wheelbase means there is more room in the rear for back-seat passengers.However, I did notice that it was a little tight on leg room when my driver seat was put into my six-foot position.On the road, I could not fault the peppy little Micra. My test car was fitted with Nissan’s 0.9-litre 3cyl petrol engine and it responds brilliantly.At motorway speeds it feels like a much more powerful engine and, the best part, it was averaging just north of 5l/100km on my long-distance runs.There is also a 1.0-litre petrol on offer and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, but I can’t see many of these being sold here in Ireland.Prices for the new Nissan Micra start at €16,650 and with that comes a lot of bang for you buck.Some of the standard features include 15-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, front electric windows, air con, 60/40 rear seats, radio/CD.The SV model adds 16-inch alloys, seven-inch display audio/Apple CarPlay, cruise control.The SV Premium adds front fogs, electric/folding/heated mirrors, auto air con, Nissan Connect.The range-topping SVE model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear-view monitor/parking sensors, Bose six-speaker audio, Safety Pack (high-beam assist, lane departure warning, front fogs, rain sensor), interior/exterior personalisation.Tech Spec:Model: Nissan Micra SVEPrice: From €16,650 (€24,400 test model)Road Tax: €1900-100kph: 12.1 secondsMax Speed: 175km/hFuel Economy: 4.4l/100km (claimed)Boot Space: 300 litres