Nissan Micra review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

The inside of the Micra is just as stylish as the outside, with a modern layout and the option of some cool, colourful trim combinations that really lift the mood. It feels a lot more youthful and interesting than the sea of grey you find in some rivals.

Most models (from Acenta trim upwards) get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your phone for maps, music, and messages. The system is pretty straightforward to use. The entry-level Visia model misses out on the touchscreen, so it's worth stepping up a grade if tech is important to you.

Comfort

The Micra is a comfortable car for daily driving. The seats are supportive, and it’s easy to find a good driving position. The ride is a little on the firm side, which means you feel bumps a bit more than in some rivals, but it’s rarely uncomfortable. It handles motorway journeys well, feeling stable and settled at speed.

Quality

The cabin feels well put together and durable, but there are quite a few hard, scratchy plastics dotted around. It doesn't have the same premium, soft-touch feel as a Volkswagen Polo, for example. However, the interesting design and optional colour packs do a great job of distracting you from the less-than-plush materials.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

For a small car, the Micra is reasonably practical. There’s plenty of room up front for the driver and a passenger to get comfortable. In the back, adults will be fine on shorter journeys, but taller passengers might find their heads brushing against the sloping roofline. Legroom is about average for this type of car.

You'll find a few handy storage spots around the cabin for your phone and water bottles, but some rivals offer more clever cubbies and flexible storage solutions.

Boot space

The Micra has a 300-litre boot, which is a very decent size for a supermini. It’s big enough to handle the weekly shop or a couple of suitcases for a weekend away. It's not the biggest boot in its class—cars like the SEAT Ibiza and Renault Clio offer more space—but it's more than enough for most people's needs.

Versatility

With five doors as standard, getting people (and child seats) in and out of the back is easy. The rear seats also fold down if you need to carry larger items, adding a good dose of flexibility. It’s a great little car that can handle most of what everyday life throws at it.

Driving

Driving experience

The latest Micra is much more enjoyable to drive than its predecessors. The steering is light and accurate, which makes it a doddle to nip through city traffic and park in tight spaces. On a twisty road, it feels nimble and holds the road well with limited body roll. It’s not quite as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta, but it’s not far off.

The sporty feel does mean the ride is a little firm, so you'll notice bumps and potholes a bit more, but it’s a trade-off that makes the car feel more agile and responsive.

Performance

There’s a good range of small petrol engines to choose from. The entry-level 1.0-litre engine (with around 70bhp) feels quite slow and is best avoided unless you only ever drive in the city.

The turbocharged 1.0-litre engines (with around 90-115bhp) are the sweet spot. They feel much more lively and have enough power for comfortable motorway cruising without sacrificing fuel economy. A CVT automatic gearbox is available on some models, offering a more relaxed drive in traffic.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

This is where the Micra really shines. Whichever engine you choose, it’s a very cheap car to run. The turbocharged petrol engines can officially achieve over 50mpg, and their low CO2 emissions mean road tax is affordable.

Value for money

The Micra offers great value. It’s competitively priced and comes with a lot of standard equipment, especially safety kit. It’s also a brilliant first car because some versions sit in the very lowest insurance group (group 1), making it incredibly cheap to insure for new drivers.

Reliability & Warranty

Nissan has a strong reputation for building reliable cars, and the Micra is no exception. It’s known for being a dependable and trouble-free choice, so you can buy with confidence. All models sold from 2017 onwards will still be covered by at least some of Nissan's three-year manufacturer warranty.

Safety

Safety features

The Micra is one of the safest superminis you can buy. When tested by Euro NCAP, it scored the maximum five-star rating (for models with the optional safety pack). Impressively, a lot of safety tech comes as standard on all models, including automatic emergency braking (which can help prevent low-speed collisions), lane-keeping assistance, and high-beam assist, which automatically dips your main beams for oncoming traffic.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

There are several trim levels available, so there's a Micra for every budget.

• Visia: The entry-level model is a bit basic. It has steel wheels and misses out on a touchscreen and air-con, but it does get all the essential safety kit.
• Acenta: This is the one we’d recommend. It adds a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and smarter-looking alloy wheels.
• N-Connecta: Adds more tech, including satellite navigation, electric folding door mirrors, and rear privacy glass.
• Tekna: The top-spec model. It comes with a unique BOSE sound system with speakers built into the driver's headrest, a rear-view camera, and keyless entry.
• N-Sport: A sporty-looking trim with gloss black exterior details and part-Alcantara seats, designed to rival the Ford Fiesta ST-Line.

Engines

The engine range is focused on small, efficient petrols.

• 1.0-litre petrol (70bhp): The entry-level engine. It’s fine for city driving but feels sluggish elsewhere.
• 1.0-litre turbo petrol (90-115bhp): These are the best all-rounders, offering a great mix of performance and fuel economy.A 1.5-litre diesel was also offered, which is a good choice for high-mileage drivers thanks to its excellent fuel economy.

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