The brand new Nissan Micra, now in its 5th generation, will be built coupled with the Clio at Renault’s factory in Flins, France and shares some of the car’s underpinnings. The hottest Micra is more concentrated to European tastes compared to its lucklustre predecessor, that was made in India and had a low-rent feel to the cabin items.
Taking its design signs from the Sway concept car from the 2015 Geneva motor show, the brand-new Nissan Micra 5th generation is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, giving you extra interior space for residents, for which Nissan claims is best-in-class. The rear door handles are hidden in the rear pillar, the roofline seems to be floating and incorporates a spoiler, while up front there’s a unique V-shaped grille. Significant work has been carried out to minimize cabin noise, while aerodynamic efficiency is top-notch for a small car at just 0.29 Cd.
Technology plays an crucial part,with lane departure prevention,autonomous emergency braking
with pedestrian recognition,traffic sign identification, high beam support for the
headlights, and blind spot signal offered on all models. There’s also an smart 360 degree digital camera system and a seven-inch colour display that gives access to functions like Apple CarPlay, downloadable applications and the
navigation system.Nissan has teamed up with Bose for a new six-speaker sound system that uniquely incorporates
a pair of UltraNearfield stereo speakers that are built in into the driver’s head rest.
The engine range is brought bangup-to-date with a choice of an 89bhp 1.5-litre dCi turbo diesel unit or 89bhp 0.9-
litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, although a normally aspirated 72bhp
1.0-litre powerplant will join the range soon after and will act as entry point for the new Micra series. The range will consist of five trim amounts, kicking off with Visia, Visia+, Acenta, Acenta+ and primary Tekna. A palette of 10 colours will be on offer, such as bright Energy Orange, with the option to colour co-ordinate the interior,as well. Although it’s
a little early to predict costs, a Nissan spokesman said that they will price the Micra in-range with its main opponents
like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo when it comes in showrooms next March.That puts the cheapest diesel model at approximately £15,000 for a middle-range Acenta version.
One casualty of the Micra’s improved dimensions is the Note mini-MPV which is expected to be discontinued next year. Nissan’s Sunderland plant will keep to build the Juke B-segment crossover, as well as the Qashqai, which is ready to get a facelift next summer,including the availability
of autonomous driving technology.
The Nissan Micra 5th generation is an impressive hatchback that boasts a bold and striking exterior, available in ten vibrant colours, including the Energy Orange option. Moreover, it offers additional personalisation options, enabling drivers to create up to 125 different variations, ensuring that they can put their personal stamp on their new Micra.
To improve driver comfort, Nissan has introduced a lower driving position, making the driving experience feel more secure. The car also comes equipped with greater seat adjustment, a fully adjustable steering wheel, and optimally positioned pedals and shift lever, which ensure that drivers can easily achieve the perfect driving position. The cabin space is among the best in class, thanks to the car’s extended width and wheelbase, and the gliding-wing shaped dashboard contributes to the car’s light, sleek and spacious impression.
Nissan has incorporated advanced safety features in the Micra Gen5, available across all grades, which were previously found only in larger cars. These features include Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Warning, and are part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, contributing to the building blocks for autonomous driving.
The Nissan Micra 5th generation boasts a new and exclusive six-speaker Bose® Personal® sound system, which has been optimised for the driver, with two Bose UltraNearfield™ speakers, built into the driver seat headrest for a remarkably immersive listening experience. The sound system also features new Bose Super65 speakers in each of the front doors and tweeters in each A-pillar for sonic clarity, ensuring all passengers enjoy a premium audio experience.
The car’s chassis and drivetrain feature Active Ride Control for enhanced ride comfort, and Active Trace Control for reduced understeer and sharper handling, which were previously only available on Nissan’s Qashqai and X-Trail. The Micra Gen5 also comes with a new brushless electric power steering system, providing greater steering feel and response, and exceptional noise insulation, optimising the car’s aerodynamic performance.
The Micra Gen5 engines include a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp, with a naturally aspirated 73hp 1.0-litre petrol engine to be added to the range soon after launch. Engine efficiency was a key objective in the development of the Micra Gen5, along with aerodynamic performance, marking another step forward in Nissan Intelligent Power.
The Nissan Micra 5th generation offers a unique blend of striking design, new, intuitive technology, and confident, agile performance, which is set to revolutionise customer expectations in the B-segment. Its advanced features and interior roominess make it stand out from other hatchbacks in the market, appealing to buyers looking for more from their B-segment hatchback or those downsizing.
Nissan Micra 5th generation tech specs
- Dimensions:
- Length: 3,999 mm (157.4 in)
- Width: 1,743 mm (68.6 in)
- Height: 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,525 mm (99.4 in)
- Engine options:
- 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 90 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque
- 1.0-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine with 71 horsepower and 67 lb-ft of torque
- 1.0-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine with 93 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque
- 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 90 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission options:
- 5-speed manual transmission
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Fuel economy:
- The fuel economy of the 5th generation Nissan Micra depends on the engine and transmission combination. For example, the 0.9-liter turbocharged engine with the 5-speed manual transmission has a combined fuel economy rating of 5.1 L/100 km (46.1 mpg US), while the 1.5-liter diesel engine with the 6-speed manual transmission has a combined fuel economy rating of 4.1 L/100 km (57.4 mpg US).
- Technology features:
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Bose audio system
- Intelligent Around View Monitor
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot warning
- Forward collision warning
These are some of the key tech specs for the 5th generation Nissan Micra, but the actual specifications may vary depending on the market and trim level. It’s always best to check with your local Nissan dealership for the most up-to-date information on tech specs for the Micra. Video: YouTube/Nissan
