Nissan MICRA 1.5 dCi RANGE
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.
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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 65bhp unit thats plumbed into the front of many Clios. Indeed 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, 65bhp worth of Micra will be well within the confines of its talents. An 82bhp version is also offered at prices £400 above the 65bhp car which is available in three door for £9,050 or £10,050 in S and SE guises respectively or as a five door. The Micra offers conspicuously good value for money and is now 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, taking just over 15 seconds to get to 60mph with its all-out maximum just another 36mph around the dial. Whats more important is the cars astounding economy. Averaging 61mpg should not represent too much of a problem. The 82bhp version is far quicker and a tad more economical.
Its slightly cleaner too which must gall those who bought early and plumped for the 65bhp car. The new 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 range kicks off with the S, which includes anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking, front electric windows, twin airbags, an electric tailgate release and a CD-based stereo. Nissan, it seems, have twigged that cassette sales have disappeared down the gurgler. Side airbags, a sliding rear seat with 60/40 split and drivers seat height adjustment also feature. Trade up to a Micra SE and the car starts getting pretty tricksy.
A drive computer, an intelligent key, automatic rain sensing wipers, air conditioning and body coloured electric door mirrors make life easier, whilst the leather trim on the steering wheel, seat bolsters and bigger wheels are welcome touches. Theres a big multifunctional glove box and a 10-litre storage area under the passenger seat for hiding valuables too. 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.
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.
The Micra Diesel opens 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. Nissan have raised the bar with the dCi versions of the Micra.
Now it remains to be seen if the competition can respond.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi range
PRICES: £9,050-£11,945 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 2E-3E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 119-122g/km
PERFORMANCE: [dCi82] 0-60mph 12.9s / Max Speed 104mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [dCi65] (average) 61mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twinfront and side airbags, ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, (5dr) 3715/1860/1540mm
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