2018 Nissan Micra

Specifications:

Model: 2018 Nissan Micra 1.2 Active Visia

Pre-Owned Price: R 119 900

Mileage: 35 000km

Warranty: Remainder of 6-year/150 000km

Service Plan: Remainder of 3-year/90 000km

Fuel Consumption (combined): 5.2-litres/100km

0-100km/h: 13.2 seconds

Contact: Bethuel Mathiane from Centurion Nissan

 

Low running costs and excellent warranties further enhances the long-term value these little Nissan’s offer.

 

Background and condition of vehicle:

• Our used Micra on test has clocked up 35 000km of mileage thus far and to be honest the vehicle still appeared very tidy.
• The bodywork was still in a perfect condition.
• We did notice some scratches on the right rear hubcap, which could easily be replaced at very little cost.
• The cabin looked great too, except for the gearlever that showed some wear, which again could easily be replaced.
• Our Micra on test was also fitted with four new 165/70R14 tyres.

 

Performance and Economy:

• Under the bonnet of this little Nissan you will find a 1200cc 3-cylinder 12-valve engine that produces 55 Kilowatts and 104Nm of torque.
• With such a small engine, performance is rather adequate than rapid, as you naturally would have expected.
• As a little city run around the Micra performs admirably. There is enough power to cruise along with city traffic, although you certainly need to keep the engine revolutions up to get the best out of it.
• The small engine does deliver great fuel economy at just 5.2-litres per 100km.

 

How does it drive?

• Ride quality proved to be on par with most budget vehicles on sale today.
• The Micra’s bumps absorption did impress on rougher roads, naturally aided by those high profile 165/70R14 tyres.
• The gearchanges also proved light and easy to operate, while retaining a positive feel.
• Like most of its 3-cylinder competitors the engine does become audible in the cabin, especially as you have to keep the engine speeds up most of the time to get the best out of it.
• Good news is that the little 3-cylinder sounds lovely.

 

Inside the vehicle:

• Like we have seen on some budget cars there is a lot of shiny plastic trim, but at least they seem tough and well put together.
• I do feel that some of its competitors certainly offer interiors with slightly higher levels of all-round quality, especially regarding the quality of the plastic trim.
• Good news is that you do get a basic touch screen multi-media system with blue tooth connectivity, as well as safety features like ABS with EBD, Brake assist and Dual Airbags.
• Other standard features included the following:

 

• Air-conditioning                                             
• Dual Airbags
• Central Locking               
• ABS braking with EBD          
• Basic touch screen multi-media infotainment system
• USB port                       
• Bluetooth connectivity                                                            
• Power steering
• Electric windows (front only)               
• 12V socket

 

Space and Practicality:

• Despite its small dimensions the Micra offers decent in-cabin comfort.
• The seating is comfortable and there is certainly enough leg and headroom.
• I was impressed with the amount of rear space, especially compared to some of its competitors.
• Boot space for this caliber of vehicle also proved generous at 255-litres with the seats in the upright position.

 

The Verdict:

• As a budget buy the Nissan Micra does makes sense, especially if we take the added value of the 3-year/90 000km service plan into account.
• Furthermore, it should be reliable and durable in the long run accompanied by low running costs.
• Therefore, I believe the Micra Active is a solid budget buy at the price.

 

• Excellent warranty and Service Plan
• Economical
• Nissan reliability and low running costs

X  Shiny hard plastics in cabin