Car Test
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R0312 | |
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February 2003 |
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| Nissan Micra | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.2SX 3door | |
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Bigger superminis, like the latest Fiesta, Polo/ Fabia and Rover 25 (the car that started the trend) are all very well, but they weigh more. The Japanese have proved less willing to up-size the Yans, Jazz and most recently, this Nissan Micra have all concentrated on maximizing interior adaptability within more compact kerb length.
The Micra is, in fact, a shade shorter than its predecessor, but it's taller, like so many nowadays. It retains a dome-shape roofline that works wonders for a tall driver, but it's not so good behind. Sitting in the back is poorer in other ways, too: the seat feels lumpy and unsupportive, there’s not much foot warmth and when the seat is slid fully forwards, legroom disappears entirely behind even average- sized front occupants. In fairness, setting the back seat midway delivers a good compromise deal, with 94/64cm of typical legroom/ kneeroom (enough for youngsters) and a generous 365litres (13cu ft) behind. The three-door has rear side-storage boxes that will take a two-pint milk carton, and there’s also a sizeable facia box and an under-seat bin, up front. So, its adaptability makes the Micra more accommodating than its size might suggest. It has a good driving position with precise major controls, and this 1.2 version gives sprightly overtaking ability if you let it rev. It also drives into bends with aplomb and the steering transforms itself from very light when parking, to well-measured resistance when pressing on. It doesn’t smooth out the rough bits like a Polo/ Fabia, but it steers and rides better than a Jazz. Presumably, you’re reading this report because you quite like the Micra’s looks. This new model is trying to establish a following with a chummy personality of its own. Indeed, it can be quite chatty, with a whole series of visual and audible reminders that makes you feel it’s trying to be your pal. You may find all those bleeps and display messages endearing, or you may feel you want to wring it neck! Yes, at times it can take too much upon itself - the brakes tend to be over-servoed, the SX heater’s automatic temperature control is very iffy and the automatic rain sensor can’t get the hang of very fine rain. There are some useful driver aids, though: a pulse wipe that responds with a double sweep, a wash of the screen glass before the wiper kicks in and “see-me-home” head lamps (after locking up) are all appreciated. There’s a multi function display, the speedo has two trip-mileage recorders, there’s an ideal left-foot space beside the clutch and, in terms of equipment-for-the-price, the Micra undercuts most alternatives except the Hyundai Getz; the SE is particularly impressive in this respect. Some of the trim details are disappointing, however. The facia is hard plastic, the rear load cover looks and fits crudely and one of the car’s window weather-strips come adrift. The car is very vulnerable to parking scuffs, and the spare wheel is of the temporary “space-saver” type. The dials are clear, but the tacho was 200rpm adrift and we couldn’t see the figures behind the air-con’s information “porthole” because of reflections. |
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