Nissan Micra 1.0 liters in the driving report
Extended by the base
In mid-March of this year, Nissan presented its smallest in the fleet, the Micra already in the 5. Generation. The Japanese vehicle manufacturer's B-segment vehicle, which had been on the market for more than 30 years, sold four generations through 650.000. The main customer is the German market, where it serves perfectly as a city runabout for private and business customers in the medium-sized sector. With its market launch 2017, the Micra presented itself with a revised exterior and interior design, changed dimensions, new infotainment and sound system, new chassis settings and the engines 0,9 liter turbo petrol and 1,5 liter diesel. An additional promise by the Japanese was a basic unit that should cut off a large piece of the pie in the small car segment. Nissan is now offering its Micra with the 1.0 liter petrol engine and the "VISA" equipment at the starting price of 12.990 euros in its dealerships.
Competitive engine
The task of every small car: it has to be particularly agile and agile with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The car should also have a dash of smart functionality and an attractive design. It is precisely these properties that the engineers of the automobile manufacturer Nissan have implemented in order to make the Micra competitive since its market launch. To the 5. Generation, the little one makes a remarkably adult impression. The striking front design with the Nissan radiator grille, the contoured bonnet and the boomerang-shaped lights with LED daytime running lights convey a self-confident appearance. The modified rear bumper also demonstrates superior performance. The Micra gets its sporty touch from its roof spoiler. As a general five-door hatchback, he hides his door handles very gallantly. The overall package has made him a small conqueror since its market launch, as the managers at Nissan Center Europe GmbH assured us. The Micra was able to generate a large proportion of its buyers from third-party brands. At the beginning of September, shortly before the 2017 International Motor Show around the French capital Paris, we were able to get a first impression of the driving characteristics of the base engine and the new design.
Three-cylinder in alliance
The three-cylinder, which, unlike the existing 0,9 liter engine, does not need a turbocharger, is new for the small Japanese, but not unknown in the group or with the cooperation partners. In the alliance, the unit already serves in the Smart fortwo and forfour as well as in the Dacia Sandero. The vacuum cleaner comes with a nominal power of 52 kW (71 PS) at 6.300 revolutions and brings 95 Newton meters at 3.500 revolutions to the crankshaft. In combination with its precise five-speed manual transmission, which works with short shift paths, the engine sounds grumpy, which generally increases the volume, especially at higher speeds. However, this is in the nature of things and should not disturb those who consciously opt for such a motorization. Through the suburbs of Paris, the Micra brings us unspectacular. but safely from one destination of the navigation device to another. He copes relatively well with the unevenness of the roads in this area. This is where the changes and improvements to the chassis settings come into play. We would not recommend longer freeway routes and faster country road passages with the Micra, because the noise level becomes uncomfortable after a while. As already mentioned for the growling engine, these small cars are not designed for sales representatives, for example. The Micra finds its clientele in city traffic. Unfortunately, the 1.0 liter unit works without a start-stop system, but still achieves remarkably good consumption values for combined 4,6 liters. The associated carbon dioxide value of 103 grams per kilometer speaks for itself. Like its 0,9 liter petrol and 1,5 liter diesel engines, which are already available on the market, the 1,0 liter petrol engine also complies with the 6b emissions standard.
Not only intended for downsizers, but also for beginners, Nissan wants to meet the needs of its customers with features such as hill start assist, light and rain sensor, seat heating, the new infotainment system with smartphone connection "Nissan Connect" and the BOSE Personal® Premium audio system satisfy. There are also two additionally revised and appealing interiors in bi-color with piano lacquer applications in different colors and a sports steering wheel.
Entry under 13.000 Euro
The "Visia" equipment variant serves as the basis for all engines, including the 1.0 liter vacuum cleaner. The list of features is long and fulfills the demands of a “complete” car. The Micra starts at 12.990 Euro. What culminated in the previous engine versions of the technically complex "N-Connecta" and the luxurious "Tekna" variant already ends with the "Acenta" equipment line. Nissan's surcharge policy is at a moderate level. From the equipment version "Visia" to "Visia Plus", the Japanese charge an extra 1.600 euro. The next level to the "Acenta" variant can be acquired with 1.400 Euro. To ensure customization, Nissan offers a number of special packages that upgrade the vehicle.
- And finally ... Nissan also offers its customers with the 5. Generation of the Micra is a trendy city car. Both the exterior design as well as the functionality and especially its technology under the hood make the little Japanese one of the first purchase options.
The engine update of the Nissan Micra is the successful alternative for a small car. A MUST as a downgrade after the job or a second car for the family.
Text: Stefan Beckmann, Beitragsbild: Manufacturer Picture: Stefan Beckmann
