Nissan has been manufacturing the Nissan Micra, also known as the Nissan March (Japanese: Ri Chan machi, Hepburn: Nissan Machi), a supermini car (B-segment), since 1982.
Nissan Cherry, which was sold in Japan, was replaced by Nissan Micra. Up until 1999, when the “Cherry” network and Nissan Red Stage were amalgamated to form Nissan Cherry Store, it was only available through the Nissan Japanese dealership network. The March was Nissan’s smallest car up until it started selling kei vehicles in Japan; it wasn’t given a new name or sold at other Japanese Nissan dealership networks.
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NISSANMicra
Nissan’s oldest model is the Micra, also known as the March in parts of Asia, which debuted in 1982.
The most well-liked generation was the third, constructed in Britain. Its replacement, introduced in 2010, had to make do with budget cuts, which damaged its reputation.
The audience for the final 2010 model was constrained by the availability of just one engine and one trim level.
It is what?
Another compact automobile racing the Ford Fiesta. How has Nissan made itself stand out? Just have a look at it. After a few cutesy bubble-car Micras, everything is now quite angular and sporty looking. Additionally, Nissan has endeavored to make the chassis handle with a similar dynamic vigor. And what about that? It actually did work. One of the more throwable supermini chassis is found in this vehicle.
The previous-generation Micra was severely hampered because it was designed as a “global car” to fulfill not just the wants and demands of Europe but also those of Asia, South America, and other regions. This model was specifically created for the European market; as a result, it is 174mm longer, 78mm wider, and 55mm lower, as well as more fashionable and better furnished, using technology taken from the wildly popular Qashqai.
Nissan took a risk with this strategy, but it has paid off. Sales of the Micra increased by 44% in 2017 over 2016. Unbelievably, 65% of consumers who purchase a new Micra do so to replace a vehicle from a different manufacturer than Nissan. That is referred to as “conquesting,” and it is the kind of statistic that gives bean counters at auto manufacturers the willies and a big grin.
Nissan wants to maintain the momentum for the Micra in 2019 by improving one of its largest areas of weakness: the powertrain lineup. There are two new 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol three-cylinder engines on the market: one with 99 horsepower and the other with 114 horsepower. These engines were developed independently of the 1.0-liter unit with 99 horsepower (for reasons that don’t seem obvious or logical) and instead share expertise with the 1.3-liter engine Renault-Nissan recently developed with Daimler.
In addition, a six-speed manual transmission has been added in place of the motorway-inconvenient five-speeder. If you really, really must, you can also have a CVT automatic for the less powerful variant.
Oh, and if you want anything slower than walking, know that the 90bhp 1.5-liter diesel and the 69bhp non-turbo Micra continue to exist for no apparent reason. Sincerely, the 1.0-litre engine is the best. ideally with a greater output.
To that purpose, a new Micra N-Sport is available. Although it has been marketed as a mild hatchback rather than a hot performance model, it is oddly a trim-line that is compatible with all of the new engines and is not just the fastest one. Be on the lookout for large wheels, faux carbon door mirrors, and Alcantara dashboard trim, similar to those found on a Ferrari 488 Pista.
There is neither a real Nismo performance version nor a hacked-up crossover version of the Micra; instead, all Micras are front-wheel drive, five-door, five-seaters. It is a conventional supermini in every way. If it accomplishes anything noteworthy enough to stand out in such a competitive market, that is the question that remains.
Is the Nissan Micra a reliable vehicle?
In the realm of compact vehicles, the Nissan Micra is a bit of a beauty, and better yet, it’s even a little bit more affordable than models like the popular Vauxhall Corsa.
The cabin maintains the catwalk aesthetic, which is really striking. But is there actually something behind the fashion, or is it simply about the looks and “I want world peace”?
A sleek 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all Visia vehicles aside from the entry-level Visia and Visia+ models.
Fortunately, the Nissan Micra’s interior isn’t only attractive on the outside; all the switches feel sturdy, and the driver’s seat and sporty steering wheel both offer plenty of adjustment, so finding a comfortable position won’t be a problem.
Unfortunately, neither model offers lumbar support, which might lessen backache during long rides, and the Nissan Micra’s back seats are smaller than those in the majority of competitors. Passengers over six feet tall will struggle to get enough headroom, and the tiny central seat makes sitting three abreast rather cramped. There is a decent amount of knee room.
However, the 300-liter boot of the Nissan Micra is quite useful. It is a little bit larger than the ones in a Corsa, Polo, or Fiesta, but because of the height boot lip, loading large objects can be challenging. There are no convenient shopping hooks, but if you need to transport both a passenger in the rear seat and a large piece of luggage, you can split the back seats in half (60:40).
It is possible to choose between two petrol engines and a five- or six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. If you primarily potter around town, get the turbocharged 100hp 1.0-litre petrol. It isn’t precisely speedy, but it’s strong enough to feel zippy around town and is always smooth and quiet. In fact, it makes the 117hp 1.0-litre engine seem a little superfluous.
The Nissan Micra is one of the most pleasant little cars available, regardless of the model you choose. The N-Sport variant, which is stiffer and livelier, is a little bit too firm, but the majority of versions handle bumps and potholes with outstanding calmness. Inconvenient wind noise is nevertheless kept to a minimum in all vehicles, even on the freeway.
The rigorous 2017 Euro NCAP crash tests resulted in a four-star safety certification for the Nissan Micra. This rating places the Nissan Micra among the safest small cars currently on the market, even though the SEAT Ibiza received the full five-star rating that same year. It is comparable to earlier five-star ratings.
The Nissan Micra is therefore definitely worth considering if you’re looking for something comfy and you don’t mind spending a little bit more for certain desirable amenities, even though it’s not quite as practical or enjoyable to drive as other small family cars.
Go to our Nissan Micra deals page to discover the offers that are currently being made.
More evaluations
Since then, as competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen Polo fought back, the Nissan Micra has fallen in the rankings. The Micra is still a gratifying option, especially since it maintains the original qualities that have supported the car’s popularity throughout past generations. The Fiesta is more entertaining to drive, the Clio more useful, and the Polo has a more upscale interior.
Since its introduction in 1983, the Nissan Micra has been a mainstay of the supermini class and is a favorite with driving schools and new drivers all over the UK. The first and second generations offered affordable Japanese dependability on a silver platter. The Micra Mk3 brought rounded styling to the mix, which enhanced the car’s appeal; in contrast, the Mk4 had a more understated appearance. The lack of driving enjoyment is a feature shared by all of these models, yet the Micra has always been a reliable option.
The new Micra has crisper appearance, but underneath it has the same running gear as the previous model. To ensure that the vehicle remains competitive, it has undergone a comprehensive overhaul and now features cutting-edge electrical equipment that was sourced from other Nissan models, such as the Qashqai. The Micra is still a five-door only vehicle, but Nissan has given the vehicle a sportier appearance by integrating the rear door handles into the window frames.
A CVT automatic transmission has also been fitted, replacing the Micra’s previous 0.9-litre engine with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. The 1.0-liter engine used to produce two outputs, 99 and 115 horsepower, but presently just a 91 horsepower type is offered.
Nissan has also reduced the number of trim options available to just three: Acenta, N-Sport, and Tekna. All vehicles come equipped with automated emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, and cruise control as standard equipment. When you upgrade to N-Sport, you get 17-inch alloy wheels, a black exterior pack, Alcantara seats, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. A Bose audio system, NissanConnect navigation, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are included in the Tekna specification level.
While the Fiesta, Clio, and Polo have already been named as fierce competitors, the SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia are also both capable opponents. The Peugeot 208 is the C3’s more upscale sibling, and the Citroen C3 injects some young design into the mix.
The Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, and Honda Jazz are some other Far Eastern competitors. The Vauxhall Corsa is another stalwart in the class that shouldn’t be ruled out.
What was the Nissan Micra’s successor?
Nissan has unveiled the 2021 Nissan Versa sedan to the Canadian automotive market to replace the little Micra model, which was retired in late 2019 and never received a 2020 model year.
The Micra is still produced by Nissan?
Nissan’s best-known car a decade ago was probably the Micra. The Nissan Qashqai SUV would now likely win, but the Micra is still a respectable supermini. Because of its approachable, straightforward demeanor and track record for dependability, it is the vehicle that has really helped the Japanese automaker develop a name for itself in the UK. Its laid-back personality makes it a popular choice for driving schools as well; for many drivers, the Micra’s steering wheel is the first one they have ever sat behind.
However, the most recent model shines in a category where the Micra has always fallen short: sophistication. The most recent model is far more eye-catching than previous iterations, which is important to lure customers away from rival vehicles like the SEAT Ibiza, Ford Fiesta, and Volkswagen Polo, as well as the Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio.
The Micra’s affordable price when compared to competitors used to be one of its main selling features. Nissan has recently stopped selling the entry-level Visia, which was never given any consideration by consumers. However, the Micra now appears to be more expensive. More cost-effective cars like the Skoda Fabia, Kia Rio, Hyundai i20, and Vauxhall Corsa will appeal if you’re on a strict budget. However, the Micra has a standout enough appearance to entice purchasers of the Toyota Yaris and Peugeot 208.
Which motor does the Nissan Micra employ?
The 1.0-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine that replaces the 0.9-liter Renault engine is the foundation of the Micra’s engine lineup. It has 91 horsepower and can accelerate the Micra from 0 to 62 mph in an ordinary 11.8 seconds. With competitive performance, it is a more developed engine than before.
The five-speed manual transmission in our test car also impressed us. The shift movement is really fluid, and it is lightweight and simple to operate. This is excellent news for a vehicle that requires frequent gearshifts to move quickly. This engine also comes with a CVT automatic gearbox, but we recommend sticking with the manual. However, the majority of competitors now have six gears, which usually improves fineness at speed.
With 115 horsepower and a 0-62 mph time reduction of 9.9 seconds, Nissan refers to this Micra model as a “warm hatch.” Although there are competing superminis that are faster in reality, the added power and six-speed manual gearbox are appreciated.
A 1.0-liter non-turbocharged engine with 70 horsepower was formerly offered, although it should be noted that this engine is slower, less effective, and less potent than any other in the lineup. Nissan was able to provide a more economical Micra thanks to this engine, but it will probably be more suited to city living than long drives. There aren’t many cars that accelerate from 0 to 62 mph faster than this one (16.4 seconds), which is best described as sluggish.