NISSAN MICRA 2020
Introduction
By the time your old bones have figured out the “gwara-gwara” dance moves, if you are anything like me, the rest of the world have moved ten steps ahead and even “matorokisi” is not only a song, but it too, has new dance moves, which you probably have not heard of, yet again.
The last quarter of 2019 sees Nissan South African launch the new Micra, in a similar way in South African music circles, as various production houses and artists dash for song of the year that will make vibrations throughout the country.
The new kid on the block is a trend setter in the upper class-B vehicle segment and is not shy to strut her newly acquired cosmetic upgrades, in full view of her opponents. She is a stunner
EXTERIOR AND STYLING
The Micra commands more street cred and aimed for the independent thinkers of our times. The exterior design is expressive with lines that are pleasing on the eye, and curves and corners in all the right places. From the front to the rear it carries a bold racy design, emphasized by both spoilers, with carbon fibre material blended in the rear bumper to enhance its looks. I have never been one to like cars in black, but somehow it is an absolute match.
The rear doors have slanted windows with recessed handles, which in my view adds to her sassy attitude. Buttons on the front door handles give away hints that entry into the cabin is key-less. Side indicators are housed in the rear-view mirrors, which also have blinking orange dots whenever the is another vehicle in your blind spot area.
INTERIOR
Inside the cabin one is treated to an array of beautifully blended colours and premium materials. The stitching on the panels add to an aura of quality of the plastics deployed. Essential components are within easy reach from the cockpit and in the centre is an infortainment display that is so friendly to use and connect you to your world and mobile devises (both Android and Apple). It is easy to feel like a DJ in training when engaging the specially designed Bose sound entertainment – with your favourite tunes soothing your emotions through an additional two speakers on either side of the driver head rest, Bose Personal, a first of its kind and only in the new Micra. The Micra is fun to drive.
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
The new kid on the block is powered by a 1-litre turbo charged powerplant mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and does also come in a smaller 0,9-litre engine. Both engines push out 84 and 66kW respectively, and a torque of 140Nm and 180Nm. My test unit was a top of the range unit, which has a claimed acceleration (0 – 100km/h) of 9.9 seconds. This engine also is equipped with an over-boost feature.
However, turbo lag is noticeable and takes a short while to engage the car in a different approach. Nissan South Africa also claims a fuel economy of 5l/100km, but I did not have the car long enough to get a chance to experiment with these figures.
The handling and suspension I found to be adequate and comfortable enough to want to drive the Micra further than just within the cities. Small as it is, it did feel reassuring and sure-footed
SAFETY
Standard industry safety features are included in the Micra package, with blind spot warning on both rear-view mirrors. Many of its competitors would have these as optional extras, and obviously attracting more of your hard-earned money. Personally, I would have expected automatic locking doors when the car gets into motion, but that is not the case.
The new Micra also comes standard with a 6-year/150 00km factory warranty and a 3-year/90 000km service plan. Entry level model Visia is priced at R252 800 with the range topping at R336 900 for the Tekna Plus Tech.
My thoughts:
The new Nissan Micra is bold, funky and a keen trend setter. It is unapologetic in its guise and does not seek any approval from its rivals. Except for the turbo lag it is fun to drive, and once the turbo has kicked in and the bass is pumping through the Bose sound system it is just so eager to please.
- Tumelo Maketekete
- January 2, 2020
- 2:47 pm