Nissan MICRA 1.5 dCi 82BHP RANGE
The
Nissan Micra dCi 82bhp Models Show That Cutting Costs Neednt Involve Excising The Fun Factor. By Andy Enright
You really do have to wonder about some product development strategies. Take the Nissan Micra for example. Its a superb supermini that has notched up some serious sales but the latest dCi diesel version would certainly make me think twice about laying money down for one, not because its poor but for completely the opposite reason. Confused? Allow me to explain.
When the Micra was first launched, there was only one diesel engine available, a trim little 1.5-litre unit that cranked out a modest 65bhp. Buyers looking to combine parsimony and panache beat a path to their local Nissan dealership and the car was a runaway success. Then a matter of months later, Nissan unveiled an 82bhp version of that engine which retailed at only £400 extra when comparing equivalent SE trim levels.
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That £400 buys an intercooler that drops the temperature of the air going to the engine, making the combustion process more effective but it also has a host of other benefits. Performance is transformed from the outset. Whereas the 65bhp version will struggle to 60mph in 17 seconds, your additional £400 will shave a whopping 4.1 seconds off that time, making the Micra dCi82 probably the greatest performance bargain ever created.
The top speed has risen by 8mph to 104mph and, most infuriatingly of all for those looking to cut costs, the fuel consumption has actually decreased. The combined economy figure of 62.3mpg for the dCi82 compares favourably with 61mpg for its less powerful sibling. Given an average of 10,000 miles per year, youd still need to own the car over thirty years to recoup the difference but thats hardly the point.
The thing that sticks in the craw is the fact that a good percentage of dCi65 buyers would have wanted this engine from the outset and may now be feeling a little less than rosy about Micra ownership. Those who do fancy the dCi82 versions may well sit on their hands in the expectation that
Nissan could bring out a bargain 100bhp version. Unfortunately, we are not privy to the secrets of Nissans product planning department so we can only comment upon whats in front of us, and in the pert shape of the Micra dCi82, Nissan have an undoubted starlet on its books. CO2 emissions have dropped to a virtuous 119g/km and torque has risen to 185Nm at a lowly 2,000rpm, which means that the Micra dCi82 will feel very brisk when accelerating onto roundabouts or out of T-junctions.
Three trim levels are offered, SE, SX or SVE, at prices starting at £10,450 for an SE three-door rising to £11,295 for a five-door SX or SVE version.
"That £400 extra over the dCi65 version buys an intercooler that transforms the Micras performance"
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 most advanced technology on the market and the next generation Clio will ride on the Micras chassis which is a testament to its adaptability. Think about it. If fire-spitting Clios sports models with nigh-on 200bhp will use this platform, 82bhp worth of Micra will be well within the confines of its talents.
It all just makes the fact that Nissan really did put the old Micra out to face the opposition without the option of a diesel engine even harder to credit. The current generation Micra, with all its curves, arcs and bulges, has turned a definite corner. For a start, its the first supermini for quite some time which hasnt 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 rear lights are neat vertical strips housed into a bustle thats modestly reminiscent of Renaults current styling theme. In fact, this French connection isnt coincidental. The Micra is the first car to be built on the Alliance supermini platform developed jointly by Nissan and its majority shareholder Renault. Its a platform that draws upon the companies joint expertise in compact engines, the units in question being fitted tightly beneath the minuscule bonnet.
The driving position is good, although the steering wheel adjusts only for rake and not reach. Underconfident drivers will be relieved by the fact that the headlights are visible from the drivers seat, giving an easy width reference. Otherwise, the dashboard is a little more conventional than the wacky styling may lead you to believe, although the Bakelite-style ivory control switches on the upper spec models are a neat touch, apparently designed to ape traditional Japanese ceramics. 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, although noise insulation isnt a strong point. Although the Micra dCi82 may leave original buyers of the dCi65 feeling a little sore, theres a lot to like about it. Reasonably zippy, ineffably cheeky and unfailingly economical, its difficult to pinpoint a weakness. Maybe Nissans marketeers can create one.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi82 range
PRICES: £10,450-£11,945 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 3E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 119g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 12.9s / Max Speed 104mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 62.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, (5dr) 3715/1860/1540mm
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