MyCars Car Test: 2007 Nissan Micra 1.5 dCiTekna
Reviiew Type: Used Vehicle review
Mileage: 90 458km
Power: 60kw/200Nm
Test Driver: Miss “M”
First Impressions
Many of you will remember the Nissan Micra ads from years ago that admitted to – and boasted about - the eccentric look of the Micra. It goes without saying that the Micra is definitely a quirky looking vehicle. The oddly-shaped front lights coupled with the vehicle’s bubble shape does not set the heart racing. But is that the purpose of the Micra? We think not.
The third generation Nissan Micra (2002 – 2010) has always been a polarizing vehicle with regards to its styling – especially between the sexes. The Micra’s updated design is either loved or hated, but always remembered. Most people you know will have a very definite opinion about the Micra’s looks. Included in the restyling was a reshaped and more robust rear bumper – an element introduced, rumour has it, in response to French parking habits.
What this ‘supermini’ does have in abundance is a whole lot of soul and funk. The Micra has enough appeal to be grouped with the Fiat 500 and the Renault Twingo with regards to ‘hip’ factor.
Our test model had a bit of assistance from Nissan in terms of its funk superiority. As our model is the top of the range 1.5 dCiTekna the factory-fitted enhancements include 16-inch Charcoal Black alloy rims as well as a large front air-dam covered in honeycomb mesh. The model also features the restyled rear bumper and boot-fin colour-coded to match the rest of the 3-door Micra which enhances the sporty vibe of the vehicle.
Driver Experience
The Micra’s standard creature comforts include central locking with remote, electric windows and electric mirrors, power-steering as well as climate control. A charming little feature is the “secret” compartment located inside the passenger seat. You simply lift the pull-tab and - low and behold - you find a compartment inside the seat with enough space to fit a medium-sized handbag and still a bit more.
Our test model, being a diesel vehicle without a turbo, was expected to display a significant loss of power at altitude, but we were pleasantly surprised. The torque of the 1.5 diesel feels almost like a turbo-diesel which is probably due to the low curb weight of the Micra. Happily, the fourth generation Micra was designed to be even lighter.
The Micra’s acceleration to 100km/h stands at a manufacturer claimed figure of 12 seconds, with the ability to comfortably cruise at speeds above the highway speed limit. That being said, various tests have shown that the actual 0-100km/h acceleration is somewhat faster.
The Micra has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) which provides more than enough stopping-power for the car’s big personality. Even with the brake drums at the rear, the Micra’s braking is sharp and composed at both low and high speeds. The most impressive attribute of the Micra has to be its fuel consumption. We travelled about 150km in the test model in both urban and highway conditions with the fuel needle moving only microscopically. The claimed fuel consumption of 5l per 100km is easily believed, and has the Micra competing with the market’s new hybrid models on a very real level without compromising on power output.
Build Quality
One of the Micra’s marketing points has been, since its inception in 1982, its first-rate build quality. The third generation Micra lays claim to an impressive Euro NCAP rating of four, which means the Micra is among the top safety-rated cars in its class.
To this end, the Micra’s doors, bonnet and boot-lid have a solid, weighty feel to them and require a firm hand to close them. The interior build quality is superb, with very few rattles experienced in our 90 000km test model. High speed wind noise is evident, but well within the limits of class standards.
The rear seats and over-all proportions of the Micra are comfortable, but will pose a challenge for taller adults, especially with a taller adult sitting at the front. Being a 3-door compact hatch, one does not expect the luxury of abundant legroom at the rear of the Micra. However, should you need to transport family, friends or pets the Micra can quite happily oblige.
Verdict
While we were initially not enamoured with the Micra’s idiosyncratic styling, the car does have a charismatic persona. Everyone at the MyCars office was intrigued by the test model’s mean coloured wheels and bulky bumpers. After the initial opinion-riddled debate on the styling, most people developed a soft spot for the Micra.
Let’s face it – who doesn’t want a car they can fall in love with?
If you want a fun, exciting, unique car with a cheeky attitude – the Nissan Micra is the car for you! Have a look at the Nissan Micra for sale and repossessed Nissan Micra for sale on MyCars.
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