By Ané Theron

 

The small but potent new Micra is fashionable and solidly built, but how will it serve the newly-licensed driver? 

 

The nimble new Nissan Micra was a 2019 AutoTrader Car of the Year finalist. Apart from being handsome, high-tech, and inexpensive to service, the Micra has a lot more going for it. It's turbocharged and full of features, but it certainly doesn't come cheap, competing with the likes of the Opel Astra and new Volkswagen Polo.

Here are the new Micra models available in the local line-up:

1. Nissan Micra 66kW turbo Visia, R242 900
2. Nissan Micra 66kW turbo Acenta, R268 500
3. Nissan Micra 66kW turbo Acenta Plus, 283 900
4. Nissan Micra 66kW turbo Acenta Plus Tech, 299 900

 

Why do you, as new driver, need a car that's somewhat bulletproof?

You need a safe car because you still lack real driving experience. It's only after being on the road for a few years that your reflexes sharpen and that you learn what idiotic driving to expect from your fellow road-users. South African drivers tend to be irritable and impatient, we disregard a safe following distance, we speed, we drive drunk, and we don't always use indicators.  Throw some bad weather and a few inebriated pedestrians into the mix, and it all goes to the dogs. But let's get back to why the Micra is such a good "starter car"...

 

Standard on-board tech & convenience

The fact that the Micra now falls into a higher price bracket also means added cool stuff, and new drivers will be thrilled to have plenty of safety and infotainment tech included. All Micras get ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist, stability control, 6 airbags, auto stop-start, cruise control, a starter button, Bluetooth, front fog lamps, a USB port, electrical windows (front), ISOFIX mountings, LED daytime driving lights, and time delay headlights. Only the entry-level 66kW turbo Visia model has no touchscreen. Its French counterpart, the entry-level Renault Clio, is also sans touchscreen.

 

Got 300k, or minted folks? The Acenta Plus Tech model's 'Intelligent Mobility' is the cat's whiskers...

The flagship turbo Acenta Plus Tech model we drove recently has an Intelligent Around View Monitor that gives you a bird's eye view of the Micra when you're trying to squeeze in or out of a tight spot. It also has a blind-spot monitor which warns you if the lane you plan to change into isn't clear, and it has moving object detection to warn you of dangers behind your car. Forward emergency braking will ensure that the Micra comes to a stop when you don't notice that car cutting in front of you. Yep, if your budget is 300k, the top-specification Micra can, quite possibly, save a new driver's bacon.

 

Space, warranty, service plan & fuel consumption

There's a fairly spacious boot (300 litres) due to a space-saver spare wheel, and rear occupants won't feel cramped either, as leg room is sufficient. The Micra has a 6-year/150 000 km warranty  and a 3-year/90 000 service plan. Nissan is a reliable brand and the Micra's parts basket is affordable. And if your next question is "but what about fuel consumption?", rest assured that you won't go over the 5.9 litres per 100 km mark easily, even in traffic. That is, if you can keep your fiery temper out of your daily commute and drive like the responsible adult you ought to be.

 

Fun factor

"But Sir, I just wanted to hear the turbo whistle!" 

That would be my response if I ever drove over the speed limit and got caught in the act by the (traffic) boys in blue. The Micra handles like a champ and is a more entertaining drive than you'd expect. Even poor dirt roads couldn't put a dampener on our journey, as the Micra's suspension is suited to whatever the average South African driver has to deal with. We didn't drive through any deep potholes, though...

 

A bit too pricey ?

Don't worry. All of us struggle financially, especially in the current state (capture) of affairs. The non-turbo Nissan Micra Active 1.2 Visia is still available, and it carries a price tag of R177 900. It competes with the Toyota Etios, Ford Figo, Renault Sandero and the Polo Vivo. In our eyes it's still a decent car to buy if you're an inexperienced driver. 

• Have you read our launch report of the new turbocharged, 66kW Nissan Micra yet?
• Look for new and used 66kW Nissan Micras here.