Nissan Micra

It has been nice to me, particularly in the phase of “frogsey” (as I babbled it out of favor). I liked its specific style and practicality very much. And who did not like it, so compact, elegant, with great combination of interior and body colors? It is as a praline from the finest white chocolate, or portable, fancy juke box… It is usable, comfortable, reliable, with great visibility, all that a car of this segment should be, great around the city, useful on open road.

Flirting with Everyone
And then, people from Nissan estimated that it was time for the next generation. Somehow, the first thought that occurs to me, something that belongs to the first impression in the early kilometers of driving, drives me back to the beginning of this story. Let me trivialize – “small” and “great” things. It seems as Nissan took the soul of Micra with “big” plans.

I cannot hold my ticklish breath. Do the all cars in the world must look like soulless ready-made models of automobile giants?!

Not even rational Japanese did not resist the challenge of mediocrity. They designed a universal car trying to meet the standards (read: tastes!) of more demanding consumers in as many as 160 countries. It has to be admitted it was a serious business. However, it lacks a “certain something”. The old Micra was distinctive and recognizable. The new one is not. It is just another car in the street, with rounded lines where you expect them. Everything is simple and reduced. In the interior too… The center console is well laid out; everything is useful and available when driving. Although you can argue about the choice of plastic and finish, the driver’s position leaves no room for more observations (This notice has little to do with my modest morning height of 165 cm), and as I hear, even the rear passengers have no complaints (though they’re more than 8 years old).

Prohibition Decree
Somehow I force myself to find “pros and cons” in everything, not being a subject to one-sided view. It’s OK, but where I am uncompromising is already proposed decree to ban the dark colors from the small cars cabins and the urge to be more inventive when “painting” body. I am firmly convinced that the combination you can take a look at the photos will not attract even the most conservative drivers. Orange outside, black inside – boring! Dear, you who make decisions, give a little funky spirit! All meridians are driven by “live”, vivid colors; all meridians go down well with more light, and there should be some bold step forward, at least in details.

Playful and Versatile
Overall, the ride is quite satisfactory, especially in urban, chaotic conditions. The Micra is, as expected, easily driven, agile and nimble. It took some time to comply – transmission (5-speed manual) and I, but all in all, the score is positive. The ride is easy and the car is not a gas guzzler (average consumption on the test was 7.6 liters per 100 km).

Going out to the open road quite reduces fuel consumption at moderate speeds, but also reminds us that we are dealing with a poor engine with only 80 hp and even more modest torque (110 Nm). You will be sweating when overpass, it is guaranteed, along the inevitable work on the transmission mechanism and pushing the gas pedal to the floor.

The car stoically endures bumps on the road; its rigid body is as if it were designed for “Mrka’s” (Serbian Minister for Infrastructure) roads which shake the suspension regardless of the fact that they’re new. We feel like in rodeo, not the new section of the “infamous” Corridor 10. I especially liked the direct feedback on the steering wheel, agility, good grip in curves and great balance.

What makes the Micra indisputably distinguish is the “green way”. Although the sheet metal, seat seams, overtaking speed and torque are of more importance to some spoiled pedants, reasonable experts have dealt with substance. Thus, CO2 emission is 98 g/km for 1.2 liter engine with 80 hp and 115 g/km for the 1.2 liter engine with supercharger (98 hp). In this ecological context, the absence of diesel engines seems imperceptible.

Summary
Hereto, 0ur tastes and needs differ, that is a fact. In parallel, safety and environmental standards are met, so this issue is closed. Are the “great” Nissan’s plans for the “small” Micra justified globally, as always, time will tell. All in all, the Micra is a pretty good, if not a very good car from a technological point of view, in all aspects important for the class it belongs. However, it lacks originality. Gathering impressions, I force myself somehow to find “pros” and “cons” in everything, not being a subject to one-sided views. Despite this, I’m almost sure that it won’t be too popular in our country. This, if I may say, “soulless” Micra will never charm an average Serbian customer, nor gain sympathies of the small group of individuals who want to be different from the hairdresser from the neighborhood. I’m really sorry that this “little one” won’t become “great”! However (in homage to “Frogsey”), I suggest you test-drive, and then judge yourself.