Nissan Micra in the driving report
Japanese city runabout with diesel
The smallest Nissan, the Micra, has been available on the European and German markets for more than 30 years. The car manufacturer from Japan was able to market over 650.000 units worldwide in 4 generations. Most of these figures flow to what is for him the largest European market - Germany. With its dimensions, which are perfect for city traffic, the city car could appeal to both private and business customers from the medium-sized sector. From mid-March of this year, Nissan would like to expand its small success story and not only revised the design of the small car, but also its dimensions, interior, infotainment system, engine and chassis settings. He is clearly targeting his competitors in the European B-segment - the large market of “adult” small cars. For the market launch, the Japanese is offering its basic model with a 1 liter gasoline engine and the “VISA” equipment from € 12.990.
City car with whistle
The city car from Nissan is small and smart, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. That has made it a great conqueror since its market launch, as those responsible at Nissan Center Europe GmbH assured us. The Micra was able to generate a large number of its buyers from third-party brands. The concept is clear: city vehicle with a high utility and fun factor. Its engine was not only revised, because for the first time the "little one" is also powered by a diesel. We were able to get a first impression of its driving characteristics and the new design shortly after the market launch on March 18 this year around the Hamburg fish market and Hafen City.
New design
On our first trips with the Nissan, the small city runabout made a remarkably grown-up impression. The striking front design with the V-Motion radiator grille characteristic of Nissan, a contoured bonnet and the boomerang-shaped lights with LED daytime running lights are striking. The small car also cuts a good figure at the rear, the modified bumper giving it a modern and almost elegant look, to which the roof spoiler adds a sporty note. As a general five-door hatchback, it hides its door handles at the rear very gallantly.
Diesel engine included
When it comes to propulsion, the Japanese carmaker not only presents us with the usual three-cylinder units. A diesel engine is also used for the first time. For the tests in Hamburg we have a 1 liter naturally aspirated engine with 54 kW (73 PS), a turbocharged 0,9 liter gasoline engine with 66 kW (90 PS), and the diesel unit with 1.5 liter displacement and 66 kW (90 PS) . The 95 (1.0 liter) and 140 (0,9 liter) Newton meters of the gasoline engine, which are present at 3.500 and 2.250 revolutions, are completely sufficient for pure city traffic. In conjunction with direct steering and the not too large turning circle of 10 meters, the vehicle is very easy to direct and comfortable to drive. The "more powerful" diesel with a maximum torque of 220 Newton meters at 2.000 revs not only cuts a fine figure in city traffic, but also looks confident on shorter motorway routes. Nevertheless, all engines are grumpy, which is more due to the characteristics. The suspension set-up, which has been revised for the new generation, impresses with tighter springs and a new set-up of shock absorbers and electric power steering, which makes the Micra appear extremely agile. Both petrol units and diesel are combined as standard with a five-speed manual transmission that works very precisely and with short shift travel. An automatic transmission is unfortunately not used for the little Japanese and is also not planned. In connection with the start-stop system, which is unfortunately only available as an option, the engines achieved quite good consumption values of combined 4,6 l (1.0 liter petrol), 4,4 l (0,9 liter petrol) and 3,2 l ( 1.5 liters of diesel) liters per 100 kilometers. The associated carbon dioxide emissions (107, 99 and 85 grams per kilometer) speak for themselves. All units meet the latest emissions standard 6b.
Trendy luxury
Nissan just wants to meet the needs of its younger customers with features such as hill start assist, light and rain sensor, heated seats, the new infotainment system with smartphone connectivity "Nissan Connect" and the BOSE Personal® Premium audio system. In addition, there is an additionally redesigned and attractive interior with piano lacquer applications in various colors and a sports steering wheel.
Ordinary basic equipment from basic model
The Micra starts for all engines with the basic equipment "Visia", which meets the requirement for a complete car for now. The price range extends from 12.990 Euro (1.0 liter "Visia") to the variant "Tekna" with the 1,5-liter diesel for 21.990 Euro. In addition, there are numerous optional extra packages in different price heights to choose from, leaving room for customization. Available are 17-inch alloy wheels, LED flashing lights, digital radio, automatic climate control incl. Pollen filter, smart-key system including start-stop button. In the field of safety systems in small cars, Nissan offers features such as Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist Active with Corrective Brake Intervention, Pedestrian Detection for AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Emergency Brake Assist, as well as Rain Sensor, Distance Assisent and Traffic Pit Detection. A reversing camera is included in the package of the Nissan Connect navigation system.
And finally ... There will also be open requests in the 5. Generation of the Nissan city runabout MICRA does not give. Although the price start is above the magical 10.000 Euro limit, but the car maker from Japan underlines its ability to produce even small cars.
The new generation of the Micra leaves no question unanswered as to what a small car has to do. An absolute MUST as an alternative to the German competitors.
Text: Stefan Beckmann, Beitragsbild: Manufacturer Picture: Stefan Beckmann and Manufacturers