The latest Nissan Micra

Nissan Micra, a Hatchback has 8 versions available in India. Micra has 6 Petrol cars and 2 Diesel cars. Nissan Micra comes in 7 colours, namely, Aqua Green, Blade Silver, Brick Red, Olive Green, Onyx Black, Storm White, Turquoise Blue.

Nissan, the Japanese automaker, launched the Micra hatchback in 2010 in India. However, due to stiff competition, the car could not do as good as its maker expected. This made Nissan bring in its facelifted model in 2013. Though the vehicle received quite a lot of exterior and interior changes, it remained unchanged mechanically.

The new model looks completely different from the old one. It gets a radiator grille with a thick chrome bar, new headlights, fog lights with chrome surround and modified bumper, new alloys, new LED tail lights and few more updates. The interior, too, is up-market with piano black finish on centre console, dashboard with chrome inserts and new features, better seat cushioning and additional comfort-enhancing features. The engine mechanism remains unchanged. The hatchback continues to feature the 75bhp, 1.2-litre, DOHC petrol engine and the 63bhp, 1.5-litre, SOHC diesel engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox and a new 5-speed CVT automatic transmission are on offer. It’s one of the most fuel efficient Nissan cars in India. The tweaked suspension improves its ride quality, though it still gets unstable and bouncy at high speeds. The handling is decent, but driving dynamics are relatively deprived than its rivals.

Exterior

With substantial exterior updates, the new model of the hatchback looks completely different from the old one. The front fascia sports radiator grille with a thick chrome bar, new headlights, fog lights with chrome surround and modified bumper. The side profile, however, remains largely similar to the old mode, except for the new alloy wheels. The rear end gets new LED tail lights, revised bumper with bold creases and longer tail gate.

Interior

On the inside, the hatchback receives subtle changes. It’s certainly up-market and more comfortable than before. The piano black finish on centre console and dashboard with chrome inserts and new features enhance its interior appeal. The seats are reshaped and get better cushioning and support. With ample cabin space, the hatchback can accommodate 5 adult passengers without any squeezing effect. Most Nissan car models are known for their feature-rich interior, so as the Micra. It gets plenty of comfort-enhancing features such as climate control, reverse parking camera, audio controls mounted on steering wheel and more.

Engine & Transmission

The updated model is available with same petrol and diesel engine options that powered the old model. The 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder DOHC petrol engine produces a maximum power of 75bhp at 6000rpm with a peak torque of 104Nm at 4000rpm. The diesel variant is powered with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, K9K SOHC engine that churns out 63bhp at 4000rpm and 160Nm at 2000rpm. Both the engines are paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, whereas a new 5-speed CVT automatic transmission is offered with petrol variant only.

Performance and Handling

The petrol engine is meant for the day-to-day city driving purpose, while the diesel engine delivers excellent performance. The suspension is tuned, though the driving dynamics aren’t close to its rivals. The ride quality is decent on smooth roads, but it gets bouncy on rough surfaces. Handling is good, but the steering feedback at high revs pushes the car around corners. The NVH levels are improved.

Braking System

The braking capabilities of the front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes are strong and impressive. ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and brake assist (BD) further improve its braking performance. However, the pedal feel could have been better.

Mileage

The 1461 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 22 kmpl in city and 24 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 17 kmpl on urban roads and 19 kmpl and freeways, respectively.

Safety Features

Like most Nissan car models, the hatchback is loaded with plenty of safety features such as driver airbag, central door locking with remote keyless entry, Follow-me-home lamps, engine immobilizer, an intelligent key with push button ignition of the car, seat belts, driver seat belt warning indicator, rear parking assistance, driver side power window with auto down feature etc. While the passenger airbag, side airbags with supplemental restraint system, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), brake assist (BD) and immobilizer with alarm are available only on the top-end variant.

Verdict

The Nissan Micra facelift is certainly better than its previous model. With small turning radius, decent handling and driving dynamics, it’s easy to drive in city.