A long wait

In a segment that accounts for 15% of all new passenger vehicle sales, and which has been dominated by the Volkswagen Polo and to a lesser extent the Ford Fiesta, Nissan has been suspiciously absent by opting to concentrate on the upper A-segment with the Micra Active, a reworked version of the previous K13 generation that debuted in Europe some eight years ago.

Now though, Nissan has introduced the new K14 Micra to South Africa. I was part o the national motoring media group that got to experience this newcomer in a wet and windy Western Cape recently.

Styling a sway(ing) success

While it is often the case that concepts are significantly toned down aesthetically when shown in production form, the Micra not only retains the majority of the Sway’s exterior touches, but rates as a massive step-up from the model it replaces.

Boasting a more striking and funkier appearance than before thanks to its distinctive V-motion grille, tapering shoulder line, short bonnet, sweeping headlights with V-shaped integrated daytime running LEDs, C-pillar integrated door handles and boomerang taillights, the Micra undoubtedly looks sportier than any previous generation, and arguably rates as one of the best in this segment aesthetically.

Interior is bittersweet

It is a similar story inside where Nissan has taken the Micra more upmarket to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford’s Fiesta. Taking hints from the Qashqai, the Micra gets the signature D-shaped steering wheel, five-inch TFT instrument cluster display and various other switchgear, but with a more youthful touch in that the top-spec Acenta Plus model can be had with orange detailing on the dashboard, seats and around the gear lever.

Just as welcome is the new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment, which while a big step up from the unit used in Nissan’s SUV range, it still comes with outdated graphics despite being easy to use and featuring Bluetooth as well as Apple CarPlay.

Space hits a false note

Somewhat disappointing too are the quality of materials used inside, which range from soft touch to hard and cheap-feeling in places. The biggest drawback though is rear passenger space, which became virtually non-existent from a leg and headroom perspective with a medium-sized adult seated in the rear.

Measuring 3 999mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 525mm, height of 1 465mm and width of 1 743mm, Nissan claims a boot space of 300-litres or 1 004-litres with the rear seats folded flat, which sounds encouraging given its rather squat silhouette.

Japanese design, French mechanicals

Available in three trim levels; Visia, Acenta and the aforementioned Acenta Plus, the Micra shares not only the same platform with the Renault Clio, but also its French cousin’s engine, namely the tried-and-tested 898cc three-cylinder turbocharged petrol that produces 66kW/140Nm.

A crucial difference though is that the Micra tips the scales a smidge under 1 000kg, which made for nippy progress on the launch route leading out of the Mother City and on to Worcester.

Mated to a rather sweet shifting five-speed manual gearbox, the only option for now, the Micra stacked up rather well in spite of being pummelled by the gale force winds and rains that lashed the area on the prevailing day.

The drive

Out on the winy Cape roads, the Acenta-spec Micra, which Nissan believes will be the biggest selling variant, proved to be unexpectedly fun when chucked into a corner, although the tiny three-pot did run out of puff when faced with a slight incline. A continuing snag we also noticed with the Qashqai and X-Trail, is the rather high clutch bite point, which could result in stalling the Micra without careful balancing.

In terms of standard spec, the Acenta comes with niceties such as the aforementioned infotainment system, 16-inch alloys, four-speaker sound system with USB and AUX jack, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, front electric windows, six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Hill Start Assist.

Conclusion

While definitely a quantum leap in every area compared to its predecessor, there are a few drawbacks to the new Nissan Micra that could result in it being a left-field choice instead of an outright rival to the Polo and Fiesta. Granted, while Nissan has estimated sales of some 350 units a month, the Micra, in my opinion, lacks the polish of its rivals despite the range being being well priced and based on proven mechanicals.

Warranty & Pricing

A six year/150 000km warranty and three year/90 000km service plan are standard across the range.

Micra 0.9 Visia - R233 500

Micra 0.9 Acenta - R257 400

Micra 0.9 Acenta Plus - R272 400