2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The Nissan Micra is the classic women's car for the city. The barely noticeable visual refreshment cannot prevent you from needing some time to warm up to the little one - at least as a man.
By Thomas Flehmer
Nissan Micra and wife - that fits. The Japanese small car has been an integral part of the cityscape for 25 years, and since 2003 the third generation has formed a symbiosis with the stronger sex. A model revision for the fifth birthday is intended to further intensify this unit. The Micra 160SR we drove proved that symbiosis with men can also work - albeit with a little delay.
Long shift travel
The 1.6 liter petrol engine with a proud 81 kW / 110 PS for a small car brings with it the good prerequisites for love at first sight. This would make the Micra great in city traffic. However, the long gearshifts dampen the initial pleasure a bit, the foot hangs on the accelerator too quickly and emits gasoline even though the gear is not yet engaged.
Once the aisle is open, joy comes back. After all, with the double-declutching, you have already reached the right speed to quickly activate the 153 Nm, which are available at 4400 rpm. When the driver and the machine have come closer, the sprint can even take place in a remarkable 9.8 seconds.
Subtle revisions
From the driver's cab, the occupants are greeted with a funny sight. The enlarged headlights protrude almost like power domes over the bonnet. In addition to the lights with a bluish background, the new grille insert was embedded in chrome and the indicators also have blue lenses.
Thanks to the dark-colored B-pillar, the Micra should look lower and longer - in other words, sportier - according to Nissan. But these modernizations are only visible if one is specifically pointed out.
Audible warning
The interior of the 160SR is more than just practical, you can sit comfortably in the seats, the instruments are easily accessible and easy to use. In order to save the driver from additional costs, a bell reminds you to exceed the permitted maximum speed, which you must have set beforehand. Experienced drivers can also recognize this point from the engine noise. Because the four-cylinder can be heard in the interior, albeit discreetly. You shouldn't forget that you are sitting in a 3.72 meter short small car.
Despite the short length, there are no space problems. The round shape means that the 1.54 meter high Micra has good headroom. The entry to the rear of the three-door vehicle we drive is a bit difficult, especially when small children have to be accommodated in a child seat. The four-door car is highly recommended here.
Five courses
The Micra also has unexpected problems with agility. Nissan's turning circle is 10.4 meters - but the perceived lap seemed larger.
The Micra had no problems over longer distances. The little one keeps up well on the motorway, and thanks to five gears, the engine did not attract attention on the motorway either. The 110 hp propel the 1092 kilogram lightweight Micra up to a top speed of 183 km / h, a comfortable cruising speed for the little one between 150 and 160 km / h, which is completely sufficient.
Pretty high price
The consumption values are not quite up-to-date, here the 110 hp really hit. Nissan specifies 6.6 liters in the mix. However, since the Micra is mostly on the road as a city car, a good two liters must be added. This also increases the specified CO2 emissions of 158 grams per kilometer.
Problems will also arise for the 160SR with the price. Entry into the world of small cars only begins at 16,690 euros. For this you get two Dacia Logans. Sure, the competitors settle into these spheres as well, but the next higher class is then not far away either. Everything you need for this is already on board, even ESP and head airbags. It's not enough for great love, but after the test period, the man and Micra separated in friendship.
