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Nissan Micra review
Pros
- Stylish and modern looks
- Excellent safety equipment as standard
- Cheap to run and insure
Cons
- Interior feels a bit plasticky in places
- Rear headroom is tight for taller passengers
- Some engines feel a little underpowered
Let's be honest, finding a small car that's genuinely easy to live with, won't cost you a fortune to run, and actually makes you smile when you drive it can feel like a bit of a mission. You want something that's simple, reliable, and doesn't make you feel like you're driving a shopping trolley, but you also need it to be affordable and practical for everyday life. Then you spot a used Nissan Micra Automatic zipping through town, looking cheerful and confident, and you realise that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages. This brilliantly engineered little car wraps up everything that's wonderful about Japanese reliability into one surprisingly characterful and incredibly sensible package.
Maybe it's that friendly, upbeat design that first catches your eye, or perhaps it's the promise of hassle-free automatic driving in a car that's perfectly sized for modern life. Whatever draws you in, choosing a second-hand Nissan Micra Automatic means you're getting proven quality and practicality without any of the stress that often comes with car buying. It's a way of joining a community of smart drivers who know that the best cars are the ones that just work, day in and day out.
The really great part about shopping for a used Micra Automatic is that you're getting a car built to Nissan's famously high standards of reliability, while letting someone else handle that initial depreciation hit. This makes a genuinely capable and surprisingly refined small car much more accessible. Whether you need a dependable runabout for city driving or a first car that's safe and easy to drive, the Nissan Micra Automatic is ready to prove that small doesn't have to mean compromised.
The Nissan Micra Automatic is a masterclass in making life simpler. When you're browsing listings for used models, you're looking at a car that delivers an unbeatable combination of reliability, efficiency, and genuine ease of use—a combination that leaves many supposedly more sophisticated rivals looking rather complicated and high-maintenance.
Most small cars either try to be sporty and end up feeling harsh, or they focus so much on being cheap that they forget about being cheerful. The Micra Automatic strikes a different balance entirely. It's designed to be your faithful companion, the car that starts first time every morning and gets you where you need to go with a minimum of fuss. It's just as comfortable navigating busy city streets as it is handling longer journeys, making it a brilliant all-rounder for anyone who values simplicity.
From a financial perspective, a used Micra Automatic makes exceptional sense. You're getting a car with one of the most reliable reputations in the automotive world, but at a price that often makes it one of the most affordable ways into trouble-free motoring. The efficient petrol engines and smooth automatic transmissions mean running costs stay pleasantly low, whilst Nissan's legendary reliability ensures you won't be facing any expensive surprises.
For new drivers, city dwellers, or anyone who simply wants a car that just works without drama, the Micra Automatic is a revelation. It offers all the convenience of automatic driving in a package that's perfectly sized for modern life, with the kind of build quality that means it'll still be going strong years down the line. It's proof that choosing the practical option doesn't mean giving up on personality or driving enjoyment.
The Nissan Micra Automatic was designed to be the most user-friendly small car on the market, taking decades of Japanese automotive expertise and applying it to creating a vehicle that makes everyday driving as stress-free as possible. It successfully combines urban agility with surprising refinement, creating a car that excels at making life easier for its owners.
The design is cheerful and contemporary, with a friendly face that's both distinctive and approachable. The latest generation features Nissan's signature V-motion grille, sharp headlights, and flowing body lines that give it real character and presence on the road. It's a car that looks confident and modern whilst remaining refreshingly unpretentious, proving that small cars don't have to be boring or apologetic about their size.
Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that's surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully designed. Despite the compact exterior dimensions, there's genuinely useful space for passengers and luggage, with clever storage solutions throughout. The driving position is excellent, with good visibility all around and controls that are logically arranged and easy to use. The automatic transmission makes city driving effortless, whilst the responsive steering ensures it remains engaging to drive.
The boot might be compact, but it's perfectly shaped for everyday use. The rear seats fold down to create additional cargo space when needed, making it surprisingly practical for such a small car. It's the kind of thoughtful design that makes daily life easier, from the weekly shop to weekend adventures.
Under the bonnet, you'll find Nissan's proven petrol engines that prioritise reliability and efficiency above outright performance. They provide more than adequate power for the Micra's light weight, delivering willing acceleration whilst achieving impressive fuel economy figures. The CVT automatic transmission provides seamless power delivery and enhanced convenience, making every journey relaxed and effortless.
The Nissan Micra has been a fixture on British roads for decades, with the automatic versions evolving through several successful generations to become increasingly refined and capable.
This generation brought a more mature and sophisticated approach to the Micra formula, with improved build quality and refinement throughout the range.
Visia: The entry-level trim that still offered excellent value, with electric windows, remote central locking, and a quality audio system. It proved that even basic Micra specification provided genuine everyday usability.
Acenta: The popular middle trim, adding air conditioning, alloy wheels, and enhanced interior comfort. It struck the perfect balance between equipment and affordability for most buyers.
Tekna: The luxury-focused flagship with leather-trimmed seats, satellite navigation, and advanced safety features. It demonstrated that small cars could offer genuine premium touches without premium prices.
The current generation represents a complete reinvention of the Micra, with cutting-edge design, improved dynamics, and enhanced technology throughout.
Visia+: The well-equipped entry point with digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and comprehensive safety equipment as standard. It offers impressive value whilst maintaining Nissan's reputation for quality.
Acenta: The popular mid-range choice, adding climate control, cruise control, and upgraded interior materials. It provides enhanced comfort and convenience features that make daily driving more pleasant.
N-Connecta: The technology-focused trim with the advanced NissanConnect infotainment system, smartphone integration, and additional safety technologies. It brings the latest connectivity features to the small car sector.
Tekna: The range-topping model with premium materials, advanced driver assistance systems, and luxury touches that rival much more expensive vehicles. It represents the pinnacle of small car sophistication.
While the Micra Automatic is fundamentally a five-door hatchback, different engine and equipment combinations create distinct personalities within the range.
Three-Cylinder Engine: The efficient choice that provides adequate performance with excellent fuel economy. Perfect for urban driving and those who prioritise low running costs above all else.
Four-Cylinder Engine (Earlier Models): Offered slightly more power and refinement, making it ideal for those who occasionally need extra performance or regularly carry passengers and luggage.
CVT Automatic: The smooth, constantly variable transmission that provides seamless acceleration and maximum convenience. It's particularly well-suited to stop-start city driving whilst maintaining good efficiency.
Manual Alternative: Available across the range for those who prefer direct control over gear changes. The manual transmission typically offers slightly better fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience.
Complete Service History: A full Nissan main dealer or specialist service history is essential for maintaining reliability and any remaining warranty coverage. The Micra's engines are generally robust, but they benefit from regular oil changes and proper maintenance to deliver optimal longevity.
CVT Transmission Health: The continuously variable transmission should operate smoothly with seamless acceleration. Take an extended test drive to ensure there are no unusual noises, jerky movements, or hesitation. Any issues with the CVT can be expensive to repair and should be avoided.
Interior Condition: Check all electrical systems work correctly, including air conditioning, audio systems, and any infotainment features. Test the electric windows, mirrors, and all convenience functions to ensure they operate smoothly. Look for excessive wear on seats and controls.
Bodywork Inspection: Small cars often spend their lives in urban environments where parking knocks and scrapes are common. Inspect the bodywork carefully for any damage, particularly around the bumpers and door edges. Check for rust, especially around wheel arches and door frames.
Tyre Condition: Examine all tyres for even wear patterns. Irregular wear could indicate alignment issues, suspension problems, or poor maintenance. Ensure all tyres are the correct size and specification for the vehicle.
Engine Performance: The petrol engine should start easily and run smoothly without any unusual noises or vibrations. Check for any warning lights on the dashboard and ensure the engine responds cleanly to throttle inputs without hesitation or rough running.
Used Micra Automatic prices offer excellent value in the small car market. Fourth-generation models can typically be found from around £4,000 to £9,000, whilst current fifth-generation examples range from £8,000 to £15,000 depending on age, mileage, and specification. This makes them one of the most affordable routes into reliable automatic motoring.
Cazoo offers a great selection of quality used Nissan Micra Automatic vehicles. Our easy-to-use online platform lets you browse cars from across the UK, check their detailed history, and arrange convenient home delivery to ensure your purchase arrives in perfect condition.
Focus on a complete service history, smooth operation of the CVT automatic transmission, and proper functioning of all electrical systems. Check the interior condition carefully, inspect the bodywork for urban damage, and ensure all tyres show even wear patterns. Always take a comprehensive test drive in various conditions.
Absolutely. Nissan has built an excellent reputation for reliability, and the Micra continues this tradition admirably. The simple, proven engines and robust construction are designed for long-term dependability. With proper maintenance, a Micra Automatic should provide many years of trouble-free motoring with minimal unexpected costs.
Cazoo provides flexible finance options to make your Micra Automatic purchase more affordable. We offer both Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) with competitive rates and clear terms designed to suit your budget and circumstances.
Yes, the Micra Automatic is designed to be economical to run. The efficient petrol engines typically achieve excellent fuel economy, often exceeding 50 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance costs are among the lowest available, and the reliable mechanicals mean maintenance costs stay reasonable. It's one of the most affordable cars to own and operate.
While the Micra is primarily designed for urban and suburban use, it's perfectly capable of motorway driving. The automatic transmission makes longer journeys comfortable and relaxed, though you shouldn't expect sports car performance. For occasional longer trips, it's absolutely fine, but if you regularly cover high motorway miles, you might prefer a larger car with more power.
Despite its compact size, the Micra is surprisingly practical. The interior space is well-utilised, providing adequate room for four adults on shorter journeys. The boot is perfectly sized for weekly shopping, and the rear seats fold down for larger items. It's ideal for singles, couples, or small families who prioritise efficiency and ease of use over maximum space.
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