The latest fifth-generation Micra was launched last year June and has since been performing well in its segment.
Earlier this year, Nissan then added the Micra Acenta Plus Tech to its line-up which featured all the latest in automotive technology. It also made its way into the 12 finalists for the 2019 AutoTrader SA Car of the Year competition.
Now, Nissan has added the new Micra 1.0t to the range. It continues to offer the driving pleasure and practicality known of the Micra, but it now has more power, more torque, a sound system built into the driver’s headrest for better entertainment pleasure and a new colour.
Related: Top six differences between the old and the new Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra 84kW
Aside from the very angular and sporty lines and design of the new Micra, Nissan has now equipped some models with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine that puts out an additional 18 kW of power and 40 Nm of torque over its predecessors, now delivering 84 kW and 180 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
This model has received revised suspension tuning and a 10mm lower ride height. Additionally, it’s flat bottomed steering wheel is connected to a steering rack that allows for quicker and lighter movements making the Micra more agile and fun to drive. This car also has tighter handling and improved stability on the road.
I wouldn’t say it offers raw performance, after all, it is just a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre, but this new engine has borrowed anti-friction internals from the Nissan GT-R supercar and electric turbo actuators which are said to reduce turbo lag.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the memes online, but I can tell you there are still cars in 2019 whose power is affected by the A/C, and the new Micra is one of them. This Micra does struggle a bit on steep inclines but it does have Hill Assist if you stall at the robot. Its gearbox is smooth but its sixth gear seems a little pointless in all honesty. On the highway, the Micra will settle into a cruise. Through the city, you’ll have no problems making U-turns or parallel parking with its light steering and power is sufficient for city driving.
There were no claimed fuel economy figures given for this car, but our derivative displayed 8.1l/100 km, which is sufficiently heavy for a 1.0-litre. But it also depends on who was driving this car before it was handed over to us, as you know fuel economy is heavily dependent on the driver’s foot and where the car is being driven i.e. city vs highway.
Standard Features
The updated model comes standard with:
- Sport suspension
- Sport exhaust tailpipe fin
- Smart (keyless) entry
- Push start button
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic folding exterior mirrors
- Leather steering wheel & shift lever
There’s also a good list of active safety and driver assistance systems which include:
- Intelligent Around View Monitor
- Moving Object Detection
- Blindspot warning
- LED headlamps
Special Colours
The Tekna Plus models can be had with an ‘Invigorating Red’ interior personalization, leather heated seats and a new ‘Enigma Black’ exterior colour.
Bose® Personal® Sound System
In the all-new Micra, Nissan has installed a top-of-the-range digital sound symposium for the driver to experience an immersive 360-degree soundstage. The exclusive Bose® Personal® sound system is fitted as standard in Tekna and Tekna Plus models only.
No other car in its segment is fitted with such a sound system that provides a driver-focused listening experience. This sound system is made up of an amplifier under the driver’s seat, wide-range Bose® Super65™ speakers in the front doors, tweeters in the dashboard and two 6 cm UltraNearField speakers in the driver’s headrest.
Nissan has said that Bose® engineers worked with the automaker to get the look and feel of the sound system to match the sporty and distinctive styling of the Micra.
Although we didn’t have a lot of time to play with this system, as I would’ve preferred to have streamed some music and test different genres to see what kind of kick this system really has, the traffic situation was a little distracting and took some time and focus away from us. I can say that it does have exceptional clarity, but the bass didn’t feel too punchy. Then again, as I said, I may just have needed a little more time to play with the settings. But when you go to test drive one, you can experience the sound system for yourself.
Price
The new 84 kW engine was developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance, in conjunction with Daimler and is available in three derivatives: Acenta Plus, Tekna and Tekna Plus.
Micra 66kW Turbo Visia R252 800
Micra 66kW Turbo Acenta R279 400
Micra 66kW Turbo Acenta Plus R295 400
Micra 84kW Turbo Acenta Plus R305 900
Micra 84kW Turbo Tekna R326 300
Micra 84kW Turbo Tekna Plus R336 900
As with all other Nissan vehicles, the Nissan Micra is covered by Nissan Assured and comes with a 6-year/150,000km Warranty; a 3-year/90,000km Service Plan; and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
Related: What is covered under the Nissan Micra manufacturer warranty?
Verdict
The new 1.0-litre is where it’s at. It’s well-built, has a well-executed cabin, it’s stylish and trendy. The Micra has gone through a marvellous restructure over generations and the latest models just have so much more to offer.
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