(7.5 out of 10)
REVIEW DATE: 10 Jan 2008
The Nissan Micra dCi models demonstrate that panache and Parsimony needn't be mutually exclusive. By Andy Enright.
It's a fact of life that saving and stylishness are usually an either/or sort of deal. If you want to save, don't expect to look good. The same is often true with cars. If you want almost negligible running costs you'll usually find yourself behind the wheel of something that makes a corn flakes packet appear voluptuous. The Nissan Micra proved an exception to that rule back in 1992 and it achieves the same feat today. In 1.5dCi diesel form it's a car that'll sip fuel with an almost puritanical thrift yet its riot of curves, bulges and arcs will ensure that it'll stand out anywhere.
For those of you who keep tabs on the global car industry or are just particularly adept with TLAs (three letter abbreviations!), the initials dCi will rightly be associated with Renault diesel engines. Since Renault took a controlling interest in Nissan, the Japanese company have had access to some of the best small diesels on the market and the Micra uses a similar 82bhp unit that's plumbed into the front of many Clios.
The 82bhp 1.5-litre dCi Micra is available in three and five door form, both in Visia guise. The alternative trim level choices are Acenta, Tenka and Active Luxury, the diesel range beginning with the Acenta 3-door version. The Micra offers conspicuously good value for money and is well able to cash in on a growing market share untapped by its predecessor. It seems hard to believe, but Nissan really did put the old Micra out to face the opposition without the option of a diesel engine.
"Averaging 65mpg should not represent too much of a problem."
Performance, as you may well expect, won't cause any detached retinas, the car taking 11.9 seconds to get to 60mph with its all-out maximum just another 46mph around the dial. What's more important is the car's astounding economy. Averaging 60mpg should be possible and Nissan claim a 65mpg average on longer trips. The torque output is measured at 200Nm and it's all available at 1,900rpm, this makes the dCi Micra a punchy performer for zipping about town in and a pleasantly relaxed drive if you venture out into the sticks.
Today's Micra, with all its curves, arcs and bulges turned a definite corner and benefits from a package of recent improvements. The first visual change to styling can be seen on the front grille which moves away from the chrome centre line over to a chrome surround, providing what Nissan hope is a cleaner and fresher look. This continues with the front headlamps that now have a less profound profile to the parking aid 'bump' that sits on the lens, making it smoother and incorporating a light blue tint. The sporty front bumper, as first seen on the 160SR, has now been installed on most models, while the B Pillar trim on the hatchback is no longer colour coded, giving an improved side profile.
Inside, there's revised interior trim, an MP3 jack socket and sports sculptured seats on most models. Unless you go for the cheapest variant, you'll also now find a Bluetooth hands free telephone system, a double DIN audio unit and an audible speed limit warning fitted as standard. Set your maximum speed setting by using the steering wheel button and a bleep will sound as you reach your desired limit; useful when going through reduced speed areas such as road works, villages or near schools.
The range kicks off with the Visia, which includes anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking with keyless entry, front electric windows, twin airbags, side airbags and a CD-based stereo with an MP3 socket. A sliding rear seat with 60/40 split and driver's seat height adjustment also feature. Trade up to a Micra Acenta and the car starts getting pretty tricksy. A drive computer, electric door mirrors, an under seat storage compartment, air conditioning and a multifunction glovebox with a slide-out tray make life easier, whilst the leather trim on the steering wheel, a six-speaker stereo, seat bolsters and bigger wheels are welcome touches. The Tenka models chip in with a 6 CD autochanger, climate control, sports seats, 16" alloy wheels and an attractive ensemble of spoilers and the Active Luxury adds a range of enhanced trim materials for a more luxurious feel. Whichever Micra you opt for, expect to find easy access front and rear with ample legroom, if a notable premium on headroom at the back.
The driving position is good, although the steering wheel adjusts only for rake and not reach. The Micra feels a good deal sharper than expected on the road, with an emphasis placed on driver enjoyment. The ride isn't bad for such a small car and steps have been taken to improve noise insulation on the current model. Thicker front door glass has been fitted along with improved door seals and revised wheel arch liners. Engine noise has been reduced by stiffening body panels and the roof while an engine isolation pack has been developed with thicker insulation material and better bulkhead sealing to keep noise out of the cabin.
The Micra diesel opened up a big slice of the market for Nissan. Those looking for an economical car that cuts a sassy silhouette in the city have found their nirvana. It's an extremely likeable car and one with broad appeal while the recent facelift has boosted it further. Nissan have raised the bar with the dCi versions of the Micra. Now it's up to the competition to respond.
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| For MICRA 1.5 dCi RANGE | ||
| OVERALL | 7.5 OUT OF 10 | |
| Performance |  |
7 |
| Comfort |  |
6 |
| Handling | |
7 |
| Economy |  |
9 |
| Space / Versatility | |
6 |
| Styling |  |
8 |
| Equipment | |
7 |
| Build | |
8 |
| Depreciation | |
8 |
| Insurance | |
8 |
| Value | |
9 |
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