All-new Nissan Micra - in the ring and hungry for a fight!

By Ané Theron 

When the weather report on the radio says "brace yourselves for bad weather, all emergency services are on stand-by", you generally don't plan any road-trips. But what if a manufacturer has to launch their new 'upper' B-segment hatchback, namely the new Micra? Well, Nissan decided to go ahead with the launch regardless of the torrential downpour and a South-Easter that had more in common with a typhoon.

Hello, all-new Micra!

When we arrived at the ExecuJet Hangar near Cape Town International Airport, an entire fleet of handsome, new multi-coloured Micras were beautifully illuminated against the dramatic backdrop. In the meantime, the raindrops were pelting the roof with such vigour we could hardly hear the presentation. But all talk aside, the proof of the pudding would be in the driving of the all-new Micra.

And just so you know - by no means is the current, naturally aspirated Micra Active 1.2 Visia (R161 500) being phased out, but it will be offered alongside the all-new Micra 66kW Visia (R233 500), Acenta (R257 400), and the flagship Acenta Plus models (R272 400).

Grade walk

The brand-spanking-new Micras all get the turbocharged 900cc engine from Renault (compliments of the Renault-Nissan Alliance) as well as a formidable list of safety-, styling-, and convenience features;

The new Micra is built on Nissan's existing V-platform, and has been engineered to offer sportier drive thanks to a lower centre of gravity and stiffer suspension.

• The entry-level Nissan Micra 66kW Visia (R233 500) has steel wheels, but will have daytime running lamps, a roof spoiler, tilt/telescopic steering adjustment (with satellite controls), auto headlamps, remote central locking, cruise control, idle stop/start, manual air-conditioning, an audio system with AM/FM radio, MP3/USB/AUX and Bluetooth.
• Apart from the features above, the mid-grade 66kW Acenta (R161 500) receives 16-inch alloys, front fog lamps, interior chrome detailing, an audio system with a 7-inch display, 5-inch colour TFT screen, and Apple CarPlay.
• In addition to the specs above, the flagship 66kW Acenta Plus (R272 400) will have 17-inch alloys instead of 16-inch ones, a leather steering wheel and shift lever, and the Energy Orange Exterior Pack can be specified.

Let's step inside

The cabin's dashboard design and colour-combination impart a fresh, neat, and organized look, and is very ergonomic. Apple CarPlay simplifies things even further for the driver, allowing messages and Whatsapps to be read out by Siri. The cabin's general ambience is fashionable and stylish - just like the professional thirty-something the new Micra is aimed at. In black/orange trim, it's especially striking.

A wet and windy road test

My driving partner and I were assigned a white Nissan Micra Acenta, and shortly thereafter we exchanged the safety of the hangar for Mother Nature's wrath. But even though we were being blown about by frequent, violent gusts of wind, the Micra mostly stood its ground, and besides, all new turbo-Micras come equipped with ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control, Hill Assist Control and a total of six airbags.

Out on the N2 things were looking slightly more manageable, but when we approached Worcester, the storm was reaching a crescendo, and my co-driver remarked that we were driving straight into its 'teeth'. The Micra was hanging on for dear life and the wipers were going at full tilt, but eventually I had no choice but to slow down to 50km/h on the highway, as the heavens opened up even wider.

After lunch visibility was down to zero, and the original launch route of Bain's Kloof Pass (narrow and hair-raising on a clear day) would have to be exchanged in favour of the DuToitskloof Tunnel, but that had been closed as well. The only alternative was the DuToitskloof Pass, which soon turned into a bumper-to-bumper exercise (mostly in patience!), in thick fog. By the time we reached the N1, visibility had improved enough for us to witness the splendour of a multitude of waterfalls, dramatically cascading down the DuToitskloof mountains! The joy of seeing so much gushing water in the drought-stricken Western Cape was nothing short of glorious. 

So what's it really like?

So, despite nearly aquaplaning a few times and not being able to fully test the front-wheel driven Micra's ability to corner on semi-flooded roads, we were still very impressed with the sexy little car in general. Direct steering and pliant, well-balanced suspension gives it the fun-factor, when you're not fighting the elements. The 900cc engine is quite sufficient for the Micra's size, and you'll soon discover exactly how to work the 5-speed manual gearbox to squeeze the maximum amount of zest out of the little powertrain. With the gale-force wind blasting the Micra head-on, our fuel consumption figure of 7 litres per 100 km would be closer to 6 under normal circumstances. Having driven the Clio and Sandero with roughly the same weight and the same engine, we reckon 5.5 litres (highway) to 7 (in town) is a good, educated, (but somewhat conservative) guess.

As good as ze Germans?

Where build quality is concerned, my colleague and I did a proper job of inspecting, rubbing, and knocking against every conceivable surface, and we both concluded that the it's every bit as good as its main German competitor, namely the Polo, which the Micra will definitely be giving a run for its money. But don't forget the the Opel Corsa. Then there's also the new Ford Fiesta to consider, as well as the Honda Jazz.

With the new turbo-Micra's look, feel, attitude, fun-factor and spec level, it is certainly more appealing to buyers than ever before, and sales figures should echo this newfound pizzazz.

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.