Nissan Micra: Revolution For Europe

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The Nissan Micra says goodbye to the world car. The completely redesigned small car can now fully meet the European requirements, which it also succeeds in, as our driving report shows.

Thomas Flehmer's

burdens are often difficult to bear. The fourth generation of the Nissan Micra had to meet all demands as a world car. The fact that this burden was too heavy was exemplified in Germany alone. Only 75,000 buyers were found for the fourth generation of the small car in the past six years, around 50,000 fewer than for the third edition, which, however, was also on the market for eight years.

The fifth generation no longer has to bear this burden - it has been radically changed and transformed in a revolutionary way for European claims. The staid cuteness of the past editions has evaporated, the new Micra has grown up and adapts to the B segment.

No more googly eyes

The googly eyes of yore have given way to narrow slits with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The sharpened design continues with the bonnet. Shrunk in height, the Micra is now much more compact on the tires. The tail lights - also in boomerang shape - have found their way from the 370Z and Juke and now give the smallest Nissan a certain sportiness.

Ten different paint colors and three exterior design packages in four colors can transform the four-meter-short Micra into an optical racing gnome. The interior is also colorful. There are three packages to choose from, which add color to the dashboard and door panels and make the cockpit attractive.

Spiced up interior of the Nissan Micra

Connectivity with Apple Car Play must meanwhile also be represented in the small car segment. It goes without saying that the Micra can be upgraded with Emergency Brake Assist, all-round view, lane departure warning, traffic sign and high beam assist as well as blind spot warning. There is also a nice Bose audio system with speakers in the headrests that bring the music closer without disturbing the senses.

The seats are a bit too soft and too short. The rear seats could also have been designed a little more lovingly. In addition, not only tall people hit the headliner with their heads due to the lower height. There is enough legroom with a wheelbase of 2.53 meters. The driver and front passenger do not have these problems. Despite the sloping roof line, there is enough overview. The trunk holds the peak value of 300 liters in the B segment, which can be expanded to 1004 liters.

Fast three-cylinder for the Nissan Micra

A three-cylinder gasoline engine and a four-cylinder diesel - both with 90 hp, both from Allianz partner Renault - drive the Micra, which is also the production line in the Renault plant in Flins, France, but not the platform with the Clio and the Zoe Splits. A 73 hp gasoline engine will follow from March.

Around 70 percent of customers should opt for the three-cylinder, which drives the Micra very quickly. 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 175 km / h are worth all honors for a small car. The consumption of 4.4 liters could not quite be reached on the first test drives. But 0.4 liters more doesn't make the cabbage fat.

Nissan Micra starts at 12,990 euros

In contrast to earlier three-cylinder engines, the new engine runs very smoothly. In addition, good insulation hardly lets in any noise. The chassis also balances out bumps in the road. The five gears are easy to engage, but they also have to be used more frequently, as only 140 Newton meters of maximum torque are only applied at 2250 revolutions and so every slight increase prompts you to downshift.

Like any revolution, the Micra revolution goes for the money. The prices of the completely rebuilt small car have increased by around 2500 euros. The basic version starts at 12,990 euros. The prices for the three-cylinder, which is only available from the second Visia Plusstart at 15,790 euros. Then the Micra is already well equipped and, despite the price increase, with its good price-performance ratio, distributes the burden on the competitors.