Here's what you need to know about the new line of advanced Micra Turbos and the more affordable Micra Active model.
1. The Nissan Micra Active 1.2 Visia, with the "old" Micra shape, is still available new
It costs R190 700 new and it's not poorly equipped either. It's also rather cute with its rounded edges and friendly-looking "face". As a small, light city runabout with a 1.2-litre engine, you can be sure of good fuel economy and a rather long range. Nissan reckons it will only sip 5.2 litres of petrol per 100 km, and that you'll be able to drive for around 789 km without having to fill up, but our experience with the Micra Active has taught us that manufacturers tend to be a liitle ambitious; since real-life consumption is in the region of 6.5 litres per 100 km.
The Micra Active has a top speed of 166 km/h and the 0-100 km/h sprint is done and dusted in an expected 13.2 seconds. Only one gearbox is availabe for this model: A 5-speed manual. Safety features include ABS brakes, EBD, and 2 x airbags. The downside is the space saver spare wheel, but with the boot that's already a little pokey (265 litres) it would have been difficult not opting for the Marie-biscuit wheel. Just bear in mind that you can't travel too fast or too far with one.
On the convenience side of things, there's a trip computer but a touchscreen and USB port are optional features. There are electric windows in front, child locks in the rear doors, and the rear seat can be folded.
It shares an engine with the Datsun Go, although the 1.2-litre unit in the Datsun Go 1.2 Lux (R189 100) has only 50kW while the Go 1.2 Lux auto (R205 200) has 57kW of power. We still suggest that you go for the Micra, though, since you may get more infotainment niceties in the Go but the service/maintenance plans are optional, while the Micra boasts a 6-year warranty and 3-year / 90 000 km service plan.
Related: Nissan Micra Active - A final refresher
2. The new Micra turbo range is aimed at the more discerning buyer
It's not called a 'Supermini' for nothing, and is one of the more stylish hatches in the segment, brimming with features. And so it should, as it goes head to head with the most prominent player in the segment: The Volkswagen Polo. The Micra Turbo's price tag reflects this at almost R100k more for the entry-level (turbo) model.
A 0.9 turbocharged engine drives the 66kW Micra Turbo's front wheels. This specific engine is also to be found in a variety of Renault models. it's also a light sipper but it's more lively than the naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre engine in the above-mentioned Micra Active. The 84kW Micra Turbo models get a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine which is considerably zippier.
66kW Versions have a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.1 seconds, while 84kW derivatives are a little quicker off the starting line with 10 seconds.
Related: The new Nissan Micra Acenta Plus Tech: Country-loving city girl
There are 6 turbocharged Micras in the local lineup: (Pricing correct at the time this article was published. Please consult the Nissan SA website for the latest prices.)
Nissan Micra 66kW Turbo Visia, R278 700
Nissan Micra 66kWt Turbo Acenta, R299 100
Nissan Micra 66kW Turbo Acenta, R325 700
Nissan Micra 84kW Turbo Acenta Plus, R337 30
Nissan Micra 84kW Turbo Tekna, R359 800
Nissan Micra 84kW Turbo Tekna Plus, R371 400
Related: Video review of the Nissan Micra Acenta
Basic safety equipment in the Micra Turbo models is decidedly more comprehensive. All models have ABS, EBD, stability/traction control, hill-start assist, 6 airbags, cruise control, child locks, electrically adjustable side mirrors, ISOFIX mountings, LED daytime running lamps, and time-delay / light-sensing headlamps. The rear seats have 3 x 3-point seat belts.
Space wise, the boot is a decently-sized 300 litres which can be increased to 1004 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Convenience features in all Micra Turbos also look considerably better, compared to the Micra Active. The steering wheel has telescopic/height adjustment, there are satellite buttons on the steering wheel, and there is Bluetooth with USB and auxiliary ports.
From Acenta models upwards, there's a 7-inch touchscreen display system with Apple CarPlay and Android auto. The 84kW turbo Acenta Plus model has an added blind spot monitor, heated exterior mirrors, and electric-fold mirrors, as well as park distance control with surround view cameras and moving object detection. It also has sport suspension.
Tekna models have added climate control, rain-sensing wipers, the above mentioned surround view cameras (also with moving object detection).
The 84kW Turbo Tekna Plus, the flagship of the range, is the only model with leather seats which can be heated (driver and front passenger). It is currently available only in Enigma black with a red interior. Included in the package is a BOSE personal audio system with 6 speakers, including 2 in the driver's head rest. It also has sport suspension.
3. The Nissan Micra Turbo was a finalist in the 2019 AutoTrader Car of the Year competition
This is testament to how well-rounded the Micra is. The combination of its stylish looks, tech-rich cabin, modern safety features, solidly-built cabin, fuel economy and great ride quality will be a surefire hit in anyone's books. The Micra also won Irish Small Car of the Year in 2018.
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