Nissan Micra

The latest generation of Nissan Micra will be sold in even 160 countries when it officially enters the global market at the end of the year. That is what provides this supermini with true “global car” status, and to be honest, makes things complicated. The list of 160 countries means a mix of different cultures, tastes, desires, and in the end, different average body constitution types of the future owners. How does it all fit into a small car which must be small outside, large inside, efficient and environmentally friendly? The answer is – hardly, primarily because it requires numerous compromises.

Is it possible? It seems to be, at least according to the first impressions that we have gotten driving Micra around Copenhagen.

Global V Platform
For starters, it looks different, much different compared to its predecessor. I would say, as small as it is, the new Micra seems far more serious than the last model with its goggled “eyes” that remind me of a “frog with constipation”. Perhaps it is now slightly more conservative, but will eliminate extreme comments like “It s ugly” or “Wow, it s so sweet”… OK, now it is more common and much prettier to general population, and what a surprise, it was born in Japan.

Since the case is that we have a partial facelift, the dimensions have not been changed too much, if we ignore the 6 cm length extension and 2 cm increased wheelbase.

However, “zigzag” between “facelift” and “new model” does not mean that the platform remains the same. It is called the “Global V platform” and will support some other models, as under the sign of Nissan, as well as Renault s. Although the mechanical setup of the 3.7 m micro car does not involve high-tech active suspension, “V platform” means something very important. Although it has classic “McPherson front – torsion axle rear” layout, it is lighter than its predecessor. Here we came to the very essence of the facelift – weight reduction. Many components of the Micra were “on diet”: The muffler is 3 kg lighter; suspension system is even 9 kg lighter, while the fuel tank has 2 kg less. Even the roof panel is lighter lacking the transverse reinforcement but with some nice folds instead. Finally, we must mention front drag coefficient of 0.33, which is a great result for such a short car.

Little-Big
Micra has always fascinated people with its interior space, and will continue to. Providing enough space for four adults (not feeling like sardines) in such a toy car is a success, especially when there remains 265 l luggage space. Nevertheless, creating a very pleasing interior “finishes the work”. The only thing I would add is that black Nissan Micras should be prohibited by law!

However, sitting position in our Micra is very good, pretty straight, but ergonomically correct. Driving through Copenhagen, it is easy to notice that the Micra provides good visibility for the driver, good ventilation and even a lot of space on the back seats.

Size does not matter
Some say that size matters, while others argue the opposite. Of course, the latter ones are people from Nissan, not because the Micra is small, but because of the new generation of engines. There will be only two of them, i.e. only one displacement with two power outputs…

With only three cylinders and 1.2 l displacement we have 80 hp, but with adding of a supercharger we get 98 hp. Speaking about the “size”, Nissan invested (by its own recognition) in development of these little engines the same amount of money and “know-how” as in GT-R s V6. Do you wonder why? Well, to be calm and quiet (and it is), to be light (it is light) and to emit only 115 g CO2/km in standard, and amazingly low 98 g/km CO2 in more powerful version. Oh, now, I have something hanging over my head – If I could only strip all those catalytic converters and chokes off and add some “meaner” fuel, re-program EPROM, and this and that… Micra would have greater power-to-weight ratio than a Ferrari. Never mind then! Let Micra live and be “green” with us being healthy close to it.

Small displacement means that the Micra does not boast high torque. It means 110 Nm for lower and 142 Nm for more powerful engine. However, though small, these engines are not so simple. Piston rings are made of special material (carbon, diamond-like). Friction reduction is performed wherever possible, and the oil pump has a variable capacity. Moreover, these small displacement 12-valve engines directly originate from 1.6 liter turbo engine from Juke and Qashqai, and have the identical variable valve timing.

For an easy day
From the customer s point of view, all the fuss about engine is not so essential. The customer is interested in fuel consumption, dynamics and engine running. Well, that s the order of questions that would be answered as follows: Consumption - I do not know, we will check it out on the test; dynamic – quite decent (since we have 80 hp to less than 1000 kg, it s quite expected), engine running – smooth enough.

I can add some more things – Copenhagen is a beautiful city, and the Micra is very good at coping with stop-and-go driving conditions. Even on the short highway sections the little car showed no shakiness at high speeds. It is fit for moving around narrow streets – turning radius is only 4.5 m. The new CVT transmission? Well, I would rather have manual, just because it gives you more convincing feeling of acceleration, despite the Sport mode for CVT. On the other hand, I would absolutely recommend CVT to all people who want to please themselves and get rid of the clutch pedal and numb left leg caused by constant stop-and-go city driving.

In fact, the Micra is a simple little toy car with plenty of room, having at the same time all the necessary equipment and high level of safety. Moreover, with optional PSM (Parking Space Measurement system), parking the car is much easier.

The new Micra will arrive in our showrooms before the end of the year, and at what price, we still do not know. What we do know is that it will get to our test a little bit earlier with the answers to some more questions.