Used Nissan Micra Review (2016-2022) MK5
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Great economy
- Practical for city driving
- Affordable to buy
- Feel a lot of the bumps on the road
- Fairly low power
- Rivals are more spacious
What's the Nissan Micra like?
The funky Nissan Micra is sharper and looks more up to date than cars designed years later.
The current version has been on the market now since 2017 but is still fresh, with clean, slightly angular lines that really make it stand out from the crowd.
This edgy styling has colour touches that repeat inside and out, adding to the feeling of something a little different.
Engines
There are four different versions of the same 1.0-litre petrol engine that are likely to make up most available used cars.
These start with a normally aspirated one that has 73bhp and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 14.6 seconds, while managing an economy figure of 64mpg and very low emissions.
Those low emissions are also included with all the other models.
Next up is a 90bhp turbo version in the IG-T that brings the sprint down to 11.7 seconds and can achieve 55mpg.
Then come 100 and 117bhp versions, where the power output is increased by tweaking the turbo pressure electronically.
The 100bhp version gets to 60mph in 10.5 seconds, while the 117bhp cuts that by a second. The 100bhp returns 63mpg and the 117bhp peaks at 56mpg.
Finally, there is a 1.5-litre dCi diesel turbo borrowed from partner Renault, and it boasts 90bhp, 0 to 60mph in 11.5 seconds and 68mpg.
Driving Experience and Practicality
I’ve driven two or three of these great superminis and have enjoyed them all.
Even the 90bhp models feel quick out on the road, willing and peppy, and pulling well from fairly low revs in all five gears.
Real power doesn’t come in until about 2,500 revs, so it has to be revved a little to get the best acceleration, which will obviously have a serious effect on economy.
That said, they are all very easy to drive at low speeds, trickling through town in fourth gear quite easily, and taking most corners in third. This makes them very relaxed to drive in town.
The petrol engines are so smooth they will pull away gently from just above tickover in all five gears, and as the revs rise, they sound lovely.
The gear change is a delight, the brakes superb, and the responsive steering is wonderfully precise.
Peter Hayward
This helps towards very good handling around town or out on the open road, making them a pleasure to drive in any situation.
They hold the road beautifully through a series of bends at speed, and are delightfully agile and safe, making them great fun.
All versions come with five doors – much more practical for most people – and just about the only downside of the sleek shape is the slightly restricted headroom for taller adults in the back.
The level of comfort is also good, with a smooth ride that soaks up the worst of the road bumps. The seats are supportive, with good rear legroom, and the boot is also a decent size.
Equipment
In mid-range N-Connecta trim, the Micra comes with electric heated mirrors, air conditioning, remote locking, sat nav, 60/40 folding rear seats, as well as height adjustable driver’s seat and steering column.
It also has a DAB radio with all the right inputs for your own music, alloy wheels, and cruise control.
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Find your Nissan Micra your way with CarStore
Despite its tough competition, the Nissan Micra provides an enjoyable and comfortable ride for those who want to travel in style. The Micra's excellent economy, affordability, and compact size are just a few features that make it a great used car buy for the audacious city drivers.
