Before we took delivery of the chic little Nissan Micra, we noted that the on-board computer has an anniversary function, which allows the owner to program in their birthday and have the car wish them well on the day. This is not ground-breaking technology, but something to help the Micra stand out in the crowd of screaming toddlers that is the small car market. I did not expect to have to set the reminder for the final day of the loan, but that day actually did come all too quickly.
First impressions of the Micra were mixed. The styling is best described as "opinion dividing". Whatever about the Volvo-esque sculpted shoulders, the headlights and front indicator lamps are just plain weird. I must admit that I grew to admire the Micra's looks though. It reflects the sense of personality that the rest of the car conveys. It is quite nice to be able to see the top of the headlight from the driver's seat too, as that helps judge where the front of the car is. The rear parking sensors are in my view unnecessary on a car of this size.
The fun starts once you open the door. Don't bother taking the key fob out of your pocket/bag; just press any one of the little rubber buttons (on each entrance including the rear hatch) and the car magically unlocks. In place of an ignition lock is a plastic 'key'. Take the car out of gear, press the brake and turn the plastic key to start the car. On exiting the Micra, turn the ignition off with the plastic key, step out, touch the little rubber button and your car is locked and alarmed, without needing to take your key fob out at all. It works brilliantly in practice, and is preferable to systems such as that Mercedes use (that system is the curse of anyone that likes to check they locked the door).
Once over the distractions of the keyless ignition, I had the chance to give the rest of the Micra's interior a look over. I am not a fan of the beige colour (called "Domain Sand" by Nissan) adorning our test car, and I doubt many 'blokes' could practically live with a car trimmed in such a light colour. However, the cabin is airy, spacious, and well laid out. The seats have an unusual, square-backed shape, but proved to be very comfortable. All the switchgear is well damped and sensibly situated. The overall impression is of quality and attention to detail; check out the 'curry hook' for instance. Aesthetics were obviously high on the list of priorities along with the ergonomics. Beige is not the only interior colour available, but bizarrely, the ivory coloured switchgear is fitted when a black interior is specified too. One has to commend Nissan for not making a 'me too' interior.
The 1.4-litre SVE model we drove is particularly well equipped. For £10,795, you get air conditioning, alloy wheels, keyless ignition, electric windows and mirrors, a CD player and rear parking sensors. All Micras have steering wheel mounted stereo controls too. An electric sunroof was fitted at a cost of £375, but I imagine most buyers would stick with the a/c. Safety being one of the highest priorities for buyers these days ranks high on the Micra's attributes. It scored an admirable four stars in the benchmark Euro NCAP tests, and all versions are fitted with four airbags and ABS with EBD.
Most of the information discussed so far can be found in Nissan's brochures and by going into the showroom and sitting in a car. A dealer test drive will not adequately convey how a car drives in everyday conditions though. That's our job. All driving controls are light and easy to use. The Micra is after all synonymous with driving schools across the country. The steering is quite communicative, and the gearchange is on the sporty side of light (if not as nice as the
Vauxhall Corsa's), but the Micra is not a sporty drive in the same way as a
Mini is. That car is nowhere near as well equipped however. The Micra's 16 valve engine is a good 'un, being responsive and economical (even we managed an average of 35 mpg). It pushes the little Micra along well, and feels more powerful than the claimed 87 bhp - thanks to a peak torque figure of 94 lb.ft at 3200 rpm.
When I say that the chassis is a fine piece of engineering, I do not mean you will look forward to hustling this Nissan down country lanes. For instance, the only way to stop it understeering is to simply slow down. There is not a lot of grip, but the car has poise and the damping is just perfect; around town, it soaks up all the imperfections; at speed it does the same without ever feeling floaty on the motorway or bottoming out on bumpy B-roads.
In the £10,000 - £11,000 new car bracket, the Nissan Micra is an interesting choice for the buyer that wants a distinctive, well-equipped car which is competent in all areas. The more discerning driver already knows that an MG or Mini will be a better handling car, but Nissan have not aimed the Micra at that buyer. Although the 1.4-litre SVE tested here is knocking on the £11k door, you can actually get a Micra for under £8,000. It may only have a 1.0-litre engine, but it does come with the neat keyless ignition, a CD player, power steering, as well as the same safety equipment, and overall design and engineering as in the SVE.
You need to upgrade to the SE model to take advantage of what Nissan term "friendly technology". The base SE is powered by a perky 1.2-litre and is well specified. It even comes with that friendly computer. Not that you'll want it to remind you when to give the car back.
