Cool city slicker Micra

The all-new Micra is a huge step for Nissan and probably one of the most important new additions to its local fleet.

The new "stretched" Micra now is Nissan's main player in the rapidly growing B-segment and it goes head-to-head with strong, popular and well-established opponents such as the Ford Figo, Toyota Yaris Zen and VW Vivo.

Nissan is confident of grabbing a fair share of the rapidly growing B segment of the market with its target set on selling between 700 and 800 of the new Micra models per month via its dealerships, plus another 150 to 200 units to the car rental industry.

The car's appeal stretches quite wide, but the key buyers are expected to single women and 50-plus empty-nesters. Having said that, it's a car which would actually suit just anybody who works and lives in the urban jungle.

Visibility is great

The previous three-door Nissan Micra as we know it has disappeared from the world stage to be replaced by this entirely new five-door car.

What makes the new Micra particularly city friendly is its easy-to-drive-and-park nature, aided by a small turning circle and class-leading all-round visibility.

In addition to its easy-fit city slickness small families will certainly also be attracted to the new-shape Nissan because of its generous cabin space and loading space.

There's more of more just about everywhere you look.

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The new range of five model choices certainly makes a good first impression with standard features such as ABS brakes, electric brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), driver and passenger airbags and electric power steering.

However, prospective buyers need to study the specifications list carefully because the lower-specced vehicles don't have important standard features such as ISOFIX child anchorage, air conditioning and radio.

As is the case with most ranges of new cars, Micra models offer varying comfort features and different performances and importantly, different prices to suit individual pockets and requirements.

Out of India

This is Nissan's first global small car, built on a versatile platform that will be used for other models as well. It will be manufactured in India, China, Mexico, Thailand, with all the cars destined for South Africa coming from the India plant.

The three models which will probably prove to be the most popular in this country are all powered by a new 1.2 litre, three-cylinder engine producing 76kW and 104Nm.

And whilst the 0-100km/h time of 13,2 seconds won't set anybody's hair on fire, the small engine is amazingly peppy and has a cheeky Jack Russell growl.

The smaller-engined Micras will sip a mere 5.2 litres/100km in the combined cycle and keep emissions down to 124g/km, says Nissan.

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At the media launch I drove the Acenta, the highest specced of the top of the three baby engines" and it needed no hard pedalling to get to 160km/h and was quite content cruising along at 120km/h with the rev counter sitting at 3500rpm.

Nissan says these smaller-engined Micras will sip a mere 5.2 litres/100km in the combined cycle and keep emissions down to 124g/km.

The entry-level 1.2 Vista costs R108 400, the slightly-higher specced Visia+ costs R117 500 and the model I drove is priced at R127 500.

They handle well

The two other cars in the range is a 1.5-litre diesel model (which was not available at the media introduction but will sell for R140 400)) and the flagship 1.5 petrol-engined Tekna priced at R143 400.

Official figures for the diesel are: 47kW/160Nm, top speed of 150km/h, 4.7 litres/100km and emissions of 125g/km.

The Tekna version I drove makes 73kW and 134Nm and will reach a top speed of 180km/h while using 6.3 litres/100km and emitting 150g/km.

Both models I drove handled well and surprised with their good brakes, sharp steering and easy cruising. The seats are also surprisingly comfortable.

All of our vehicles will come from India.

The cabin is fairly well insulated and other than the growl from under the bonnet wind and road noises are hardly audible.

The cabins of the new Micra range are smart with a nice balance of practicality and style - simple but logical and easy on the eye.

Cheeky - with something to be cheeky about

In terms of get up and go the Micra is sharp enough from the lights and the five-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use. However, the smaller-engined Micra did require a change down from fifth to fourth up the Tygerberg Hill although it didn't feel as though it was going to run out of breath.

Small families will certainly also be attracted to the new-shape Nissan because of its generous cabin space and loading space.

However, the launch drive took place in Cape Town and the thin air up on the Reef might well make its presence felt, particularly with a full load aboard.

Of the two versions I drove the small three-cylinder would be my first choice, for both price and its cheeky three-cylinder under the bonnet which has more than enough grunt for a car of this size.

There is no reason why the Micra should not be on the same new-buyer's test drive list as the teeny tots from Ford, VW and Toyota.

I like this new Japanese pikkie and could not find anything to lessen its appeal. It's as good-looking as any small car can be, easy on the pocket and pleasant to drive in traffic or on the motorway.

A huge step for Nissan

Prospective buyers need to study the specifications list carefully because the lower–specced vehicles don’t have some of the important standard features - just make sure you know what you getting for your cash.

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Clearly, this restyled, all-new Micra is a huge step for Nissan and probably one of the most important new additions to its local fleet.

However, it is more than just a brave new step on to South African soil for it is also destined to make its mark world-wide, initially being targeted to go on sale in 160 countries this year.

Nissan is a brand that has a strong following in South Africa courtesy of its respected range of bakkies and sports utility vehicles and my gut feel is that the new Micra won't take long to walk tall in the affordable passenger car market as well.

All the cars in the new Micra range come with three-year/100 000km warranty and roadside assistance, but a service plan is an optional extra.

Specifications

New Nissan Micra 2011

2011 Nissan Micra - Interior

Autocar Nissan Micra