The fifth generation of the iconic Nissan Micra represents a significant progression in design. The brand expects it will revitalise the small car segment in South Africa. Nissan put customers at the heart of the development of the all-new Micra with extensive focus groups and clinics to create a no-compromise package that answers the needs of small car buyers.
With a bold exterior design and an interior that is both contemporary and premium, the all-new Micra is perfect if you’re looking for an injection of excitement in your life.
Nissan’s contender in the lower B hatchback segment, the Micra Active, will also continue to be sold alongside the all-new Micra in the upper B hatchback segment. In South Africa, this segment represents approximately 15% of the passenger vehicle market. This makes it one of the most popular segments in the country.
Expressive design
The Nissan Micra has dynamic hatchback proportions placing it right at the core of the B-hatchback segment. The car delivers an athletic feeling that’s hard to ignore.
From the front, the shortened bonnet design and reduced A-pillar angle create a poised silhouette. The narrow headlamps stretch through the front wings and also include signature LED daytime running lights on every trim level. The lights frame Nissan’s familiar ‘V-motion’ grille, reinterpreted to complete the new Micra’s bold front-end design too.
Below the car’s sloping roof line is the expressive character which runs the entire length of the new Micra’s body, dipping dramatically as it passes over the front door and sweeping upwards towards the rear. The black B and C-pillars create a floating roof effect. This is while the C-pillar is home to the discrete door handles which provide access for rear passengers.
At the rear are the striking new boomerang-shaped light clusters. Below them is also a sculpted bumper featuring a carbon-look finish as standard. It also hides the car’s exhaust pipe. Above is the sports-style rear roof spoiler to enhance aerodynamic performance. Together, these features create a recognisable motif for the back of the car.
The expressive exterior design moves the Micra in a daring new direction with a high-quality cabin. Thanks to outstanding packaging, the car also boasts ergonomics for front seat occupants, with no compromise to rear passenger space.
The cabin is based around a T-shaped ‘gliding wing’ dashboard, with simple structures creating excellent space for the driver and the front passenger too.
Outstanding ergonomics was another development target on the new Micra. The car sets new standards in the B-hatchback segment thanks to its smart packaging:
- Adjustable steering wheel.
- Lowered seating position for driver and front passenger increasing headroom for taller occupants.
- Seat adjustment to accommodate taller drivers
The design of the front seats provides continuous back support, decreasing driver fatigue on long journeys. There is also enhanced elbow, shoulder and knee space for rear passengers.
Boot capacity is a very competitive 300 litres and delivered without compromising on rear passenger knee room. This is also increased when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded down.
Smart storage options are everywhere in the new Micra’s cabin. Larger items can be placed in the centre console ahead of the gear selector. It also offers flat storage for a phone, and includes ambient lighting plus USB and 12v sockets.
Customers can also express their own personalities and design tastes through the Micra. The car has a wide range of personalisation options.
Connectivity
The Nissan Micra has a wide range of technologies designed to enhance the car’s comfort, convenience and safety performance. Many of them are standard, while others are available from specific grades.
There are three specification levels available – the Visia, the Acenta and the Acenta Plus too.
The Visia comes standard with
- 15-inch steel wheel
- Daytime running lights
- Front power windows
- Manual aircon
- Bluetooth
- MP3 compatible audio system
- Cruise control
- Automatic headlights
- Six airbags
The Acenta adds:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Front fog lights
The Acenta Plus has:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- leather steering wheel
- Energy Orange interior.
Complementing the audio unit is the driver-assist display. Located in the speedometer display it minimises ‘eyes off the road’ time. This technology also comes from the Qashqai and X-Trail crossovers with steering wheel buttons.
Every new Micra comes with six airbags as standard, seat belt warnings as well as seat belt height adjustment for the front and rear. Isofix child seats are standard in the new Micra, including in the front passenger seat. Electronic safety systems include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-locking Braking System, Electronic Brake force Distribution and Hill Start Assist.
Fun to drive
The all-new Nissan Micra is a fantastic car to drive. It offers dynamic performance that strikes the perfect balance between agility, excitement and also gives the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling. There is one engine available at launch– the 66kW, 140Nm Turbo-charged petrol engine which delivers both driving pleasure and outstanding practicality.
Whether it’s darting through traffic in the city or out on the open road,. it’s the perfect blend for today’s Upper B-hatchback customer. It’s not just great to look at and drive; the new Micra’s technology maximises fuel efficiency.
The Micra uses Nissan’s existing V-platform and is features significant enhancements to deliver new levels of performance. It provides exceptional stability and reduced body roll through corners. In addition, the low driving position promoted by the excellent ergonomics of the interior reduces the centre of gravity, further enhancing the secure driving feel. Responsive and accurate steering comes from a new brushless electric power unit, promoting manoeuvrability.
The Micra also benefits from a remarkably quiet cabin. It has enhanced noise isolation technology engineered into the car, particularly noticeable during high-speed driving. It allows drivers to hear the engine response, but stay isolated from other noises, such as the tyres on the road.
In 2019, the Nissan Micra range will expand with the inclusion of additional derivatives starting with the 1.0. spec.
Pricing
The Micra provides peace of mind motoring and comes with a comprehensive after sales offering as well as hassle-free motoring.
As with all other Nissan vehicles, the Nissan Micra features Nissan Assured and comes with a 6-year/150,000km warranty; a 3-year/90,000km service plan and also 24/7 roadside assistance.
Nissan Micra Visia: R233 500
Nissan Micra Acenta: R257 400
Nissan Micra Acenta Plus R272 400
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