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The Nissan Micra once made a name for itself as a woman's favourite. In the meantime, it has become quite quiet about the small car.
The Micra was the bestseller in the Nissan portfolio. That was a while ago though. The former sales successes of the first two generations decreased significantly over the years. Quality problems and strong competitors made life difficult for the former darling of women. The fifth generation, which has been available since 2017, wants to build on old virtues.
Body and interior
Compared to the fourth generation, the five-door has grown by 17 centimeters to a length of 4 meters. At the same time, the small car became wider and flatter. The increase in length enables proper space conditions. In the back seat, however, only two people should not ride for too long. The sloping roof line is also at the expense of rear seat occupants' headroom. However, the driver and front passenger can enjoy the space gained, as you don't get too close to the person sitting next to you.
The seats provide decent support for a small car; however, the seat pads could be a bit longer. As is usual in the class, the seats are not made for regular long-distance journeys. The luggage compartment volume can be expanded from 300 to up to 1.004 liters by folding down the rear seat backrests. An impractical step then interferes with loading.
Visually, the fifth generation sets itself apart from its predecessor. Instead of being compressed, high and plump, it is stretched, flat and muscular and takes design cues from the Juke and Qashqai. The googly eyes are also history, there are now large, dominant lights. Depending on the taste of the first-time buyer, the Micra comes in eye-catching paint finishes and matching interior decor.
Motors and drive
At the market launch there were three engines – two petrol and one diesel. The units come from Group partner Renault. The basic engine is the 1,0-liter three-cylinder with 54 kW/73 hp, which comes up with standard consumption values between 4,6 and 4,9 liters depending on the equipment. The 1,5-liter diesel has an output of 66 kW/90 hp and is content with an average of 3,2 liters. The diesel was discontinued in mid-2018. Volume engine was the 0,9-liter turbo petrol engine with 90 hp. The three-cylinder acts quite lively, creates Tempo 175 and with standard values of 4,4 to 5 liters, it is on the consumption level of the sucker.
At the end of 2018, Nissan replaced the turbo with a one-liter version that had 74 kW/100 hp. In addition, an expansion stage with 2019 kW/86 hp has been available since the beginning of 117. In the meantime (since the end of 2020), the Micra is only available with a 68 kW/92 hp one-liter turbo. Only with the 117 hp unit did a manual six-speed gearbox take over the power transmission to the front wheels, otherwise a five-speed gearbox is standard. A continuously variable CVT transmission (Xtronic) is available as an alternative for the variants with 92 and 100 hp.
Equipment and safety
The Micra was initially offered in the equipment variants Visia, Visia Plus, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna. From Visia Plus, air conditioning is on board. Anyone who appreciates a little comfort should at least reach for the N-Connecta models. Here, among other things, 16-inch wheels in aluminum, leather steering wheel and navigation system come as standard. Electronic helpers such as blind spot, lane departure or high beam assistants or a 360-degree surroundings camera were available for a surcharge. At the end of 2021, Nissan restructured its equipment lines and added further levels. N-Design offers about reversing camera and fog lights. N-Sport has, among other things, 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, Alcantara seats, a sports steering wheel and automatic air conditioning on board. In 2017, the Micra earned a four-star rating in the NCAP crash test.
Quality
The current Micra generation has so far not covered itself with glory at the TÜV main inspection (HU). Although the average mileage of the Micra vehicles is below average, the small car was already noticeable at the first HU with axle suspension, lighting and oil loss. This means that you should take a close look at the used car model and, if in doubt, seek expert advice.
Conclusion
Compared to its predecessor, the current Micra (type K14) has become more attractive. However, the trend towards small SUVs is having a negative impact on the sales figures for classic small cars. Space and workmanship are okay, but so far it has not been able to convince the TÜV. If you want to buy a used model, you have to invest at least 8.000 euros.