Based on the updated Nissan Micra, we get behind the wheel of the 1.2 DIG-S supercharged version with compressor and with small details of the designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. The result: a nimble, fun to drive and with a number of details that give it some distinction car.

It is not a new generation, but it is one update day aesthetic and equipment carried out in early 2013 generation released in 2010. After Front renewal and some of the items of equipment that are included in this release Tekna Premium, You have before you a utility segment B with some distinction.

In this case, its aesthetic appeal increases with the presence of a number of details with seal Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, the Spanish designer who has become popular for its unique combination of bright and colorful. Precisely this combination is present on the outside with a sympathetic hearts in the driver door, the tailgate and the mouse inside. Apart from these details, the Micra It remains an agile, comfortable and practical car for the day, whose overall performance 1.2 DIG-S engine 98 hp It is one of its main strengths.

Inside: cozy and bright

The large glazed surface Micra allows plenty of light into the interior, which creates a very bright room, a point in his favor when we are at your command (our test unit, even riding fixed glass panoramic roof). As for space for occupants front seats, It is not of the best among its competitors, with areas for improvement in terms of holding power and in size of the sidewalks, as they may be a bit short for some people. The driving position is something sobreelevada, a point that gives us confidence when maneuvering in town. Regarding this driving position, we must subtract points in one element: the inability to regulate in depth the steering wheel. This fact, together with too staggered positions of adjustment possibilities driver’s seat, we find it difficult to easily our ideal driving position.

The space available for rear seats It is enough for two adults up to 1.80 m in height about allowing can travel in relative comfort. We continue our tour inside the Micra and we found the presence of plastic materials without many luxuries, with a padded plastic but quite secured and anchored to each other. Instrumentation and main controls are clearly identifiable. In the case of our test unit on trim level Tekna Premium, he Nissan Connect multimedia system In our mind with intuitive operation and a simple but very legible graphics.

Engine performance

The propeller drives this Micra It is a gasoline 1.2 tricilíndrico supercharged direct injection and volumetric compressor that pays 98 hp (Atmospheric version Announces 80 hp) and 15 Nm of torque. Delivery force we felt soft at all times, showing the best of himself in urban areas with the rapid throttle response.

On the road, we appreciate that below 4000 rpm performance could improve. In succession of sections with different percentage increases, we have to play with the five-speed manual gearbox and gradually reduce speed to be gaining strength. Overall, the loudness level propeller were pleasantly surprised, disappearing almost all the typical vibrations and annoying noise distinguishing once to three-cylinder engines.

After rolling with it almost 1,000 km and after measurements of our technical center, we got half-road fuel consumption 6.2 l / 100 km, while in town was very difficult to get off the 7.1 l / 100 km. Our test average stood at 6.65 l / 100 km, compared to 4.3 l / 100 km which are declared officially.

In the mechanical behavior there are certain aspects to improve, such as the boot system and automatic engine shutdown Start&Stop. Regarding this, we must say that sometimes It lacks effectiveness, speed and smoothness in its startup after a stop, meeting with more than one occasion to have to lift off the clutch and return to step on to the system obey us properly.

Behavior: an animal city

his great visibility, his high driving position, the rapid throttle response at low speed and reduced radius turn your steering wheel (it takes 9.3 m between curbs) Micra make this a true “animal” urban. When we left the big cities, their response and overall performance remain good, but with certain areas for improvement.

If you before we indicated that the level of sound transmitted by the engine was pretty good, not so with other noises, In this case, the aerodynamic and da rolling, They perceived quite easily inside. As for the suspensions, the setting of springs and dampers is at a medium level of firmness, whereupon, shortly we increase the rate in area of ​​curves, one will appreciate body roll. On the opposite side, on bumpy sections and speed bumps, uneven terrain are not transmitted into very violently.

Our opinion

You may not have a sweeping design but has a certain aesthetic charm that can not be denied. The overall engine performance compared to other three-cylinder naturally aspirated and supercharged is one of its strengths, as well as the most remarkable features included in this version Tekna Premium. It is superior overall rating about something smaller cars like the Ford Ka, Renault Twingo, the Suzuki Alto and Hyundai i10; about something bigger cars like the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio face plant them in certain respects, although overall levels we believe that is one step below.