Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi

The Nissan Micra dCi Models Demonstrate That Panache And Parsimony Neednt Be Mutually Exclusive. By Andy Enright.

Its a fact of life that saving and stylishness are usually an either/or sort of deal. If you want to save, dont expect to look good. The same is often true with cars. If you want almost negligible running costs youll usually find yourself behind the wheel of something that makes a corn flakes packet appear voluptuous.

The Nissan Micra proved an exception to that rule back in 1992 and it achieves the same feat today. In 1.5dCi diesel form its a car thatll sip fuel with an almost puritanical thrift yet its riot of curves, bulges and arcs will ensure that itll stand out anywhere.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

For those of you who keep tabs on the global car industry or are just particularly adept with TLAs (three letter abbreviations!) the initials dCi will rightly be associated with Renault diesel engines. Since Renault took a controlling interest in Nissan, the Japanese company have had access to some of the best small diesels on the market and the Micra uses a similar 82bhp unit thats plumbed into the front of many Clios. The 82bhp 1.5-litre dCi Micra is available in three door form for £8,655 or £9,305 as a five door, both in Visia guise.

The alternative trim level choices are Acenta, Tenka and Active Luxury at prices starting from £9,955 for the Acenta 3-door version. The Micra offers conspicuously good value for money and is well able to cash in on a growing market share untapped by its predecessor. It seems hard to believe, but Nissan really did put the old Micra out to face the opposition without the option of a diesel engine.

"Averaging 65mpg should not represent too much of a problem."

Performance, as you may well expect, wont cause any detached retinas, the car taking 11.9 seconds to get to 60mph with its all-out maximum just another 46mph around the dial. Whats more important is the cars astounding economy. Averaging 60mpg should be possible and Nissan claim a 65mpg average on longer trips.

The torque output is measured at 200Nm and its all available at 1,900rpm, this makes the dCi Micra a punchy performer for zipping about town in and a pleasantly relaxed drive if you venture out into the sticks. Todays Micra, with all its curves, arcs and bulges turned a definite corner. For a start, it was the first supermini for quite some time which didnt set out to be the most spacious car in its class, instead preferring to concentrate on distinctive styling. The tactic may well pay off for Nissan.

After all, many of us would prefer to drive something that looks a little sassy instead of a boring econobox. Do you really need enough rear headroom to seat a seven-foot ogre when the occupants of the back pew are usually the kids or a few shopping bags? No. The flanks have a bevelled waistline that runs from front to rear wing, giving the styling an integrated, cohesive look. The headlights are the key design touch, looking for all the world as if theyd illuminate skywards like twin searchlights.

The current car is distinguishable from its predecessors by a revised chrome grille and headlamps with less of a bulbous look that incorporate a light blue tint. Meanwhile, the sporty front bumper that was once the preserve of the 160SR is now common across the range. The range kicks off with the Visia, which includes anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking with keyless entry, front electric windows, twin airbags, side airbags and a CD-based stereo with an MP3 socket. A sliding rear seat with 60/40 split and drivers seat height adjustment also feature.

Trade up to a Micra Acenta and the car starts getting pretty tricksy. A drive computer, electric door mirrors, an under seat storage compartment, air conditioning and a multifunction glovebox with a slide-out tray make life easier, whilst the leather trim on the steering wheel, a six-speaker stereo, seat bolsters and bigger wheels are welcome touches. The Tenka models chip in with a 6 CD autochanger, climate control, sports seats, 16" alloy wheels and an attractive ensemble of spoilers and the Active Luxury adds a range of enhanced trim materials for a more luxurious feel. Whichever Micra you opt for, expect to find easy access front and rear with ample legroom, if a notable premium on headroom at the back. The driving position is good, although the steering wheel adjusts only for rake and not reach. The Micra feels a good deal sharper than expected on the road, with an emphasis placed on driver enjoyment.

The ride isnt bad for such a small car and steps have been taken to improve noise insulation on the current model. Thicker front door glass has been fitted along with improved door seals and revised wheel arch liners. Engine noise has been reduced by stiffening body panels and the roof while an engine isolation pack has been developed with thicker insulation material and better bulkhead sealing to keep noise out of the cabin. The Micra diesel opened up a big slice of the market for Nissan.

Those looking for an economical car that cuts a sassy silhouette in the city have found their nirvana. Its an extremely likeable car and one with broad appeal while the recent facelift has boosted it further. Nissan have raised the bar with the dCi versions of the Micra. Now its up to the competition to respond.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi
PRICES: £8,655-£12,505 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 3E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 125g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.9s / Max Speed 106mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 53.3mpg (urban) 65.7mpg (extra urban) 60.1mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twinfront and side airbags, ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, (5dr) 3715/1860/1540mm