Yes, in my culture when it rains it’s a sign of good deeds.
At launch, only the 900cc turbocharged petrol powertrain will be available, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and good for 66kW and 140Nm along with three trim levels: Visia, Accenta and Accenta Plus.
Having launched the Micra Active in 2017, more than 2600 units have been sold, and with the introduction of new Micra, accompanied by superlatives ‘this pretty little thang’, new sharper lines and edgy designs’ etc, one could not help but explore its features as we took it for a very, very long haul.
Clogging 120km/h in the wet and potholed roads; complemented by astounding views of the Western Cape, Micra played along, albeit we had to re-route due to the mist that had covered some of the beautiful mountains that we were meant to meander through.
True, this fifth-generation has evolved from a cute bubble-shaped entry-level vehicle to a premium hatchback.
The Micra has a V-motion grille, it comes loaded with technology and man does it look absolutely stylish with its dramatic and athletic design. It has a turbocharged engine, 140Nm and the car has literally been taking to a new level.
At the rear of the car there are new boomerang-shaped light clusters, along with a sculpted bumper which features a carbon-look finish which hides the car’s exhaust pipe.
There’s also a sports-style rear roof spoiler that all makes the car more visually appealing. If the Micra had to enter a B-segment beauty pageant, it would win hands down based on looks.
Talk of pageant, our strikingly beautiful Miss SA and Cape Town born Tamryn Green graced the evening launch.
Back to the car, the Micra has a V-motion grille, it comes loaded with technology and man does it look absolutely stylish with its dramatic and athletic design. It has a turbocharged engine, 140Nm and the car has literally been taking to a new level.
At the rear of the car there are new boomerang-shaped light clusters, along with a sculpted bumper which features a carbon-look finish which hides the car’s exhaust pipe.
There’s also a sports-style rear roof spoiler that all makes the car more visually appealing. If the Micra had to enter a B-segment beauty pageant, it would win hands down based on looks.
The Micra held its own on the road and even managed to evade gale-force winds blowing in the surrounding areas. And for a 900cc 66kW little engine, it sure feels even more powerful behind the wheel than what its figures will have you believe.
Despite the rains, we had to drive what felt like torrential downpour at times but even that didn’t hinder the turbocharged engine. It hardly felt lackluster at all and if anything the car enjoyed the cold, wet weather.
And for that kind of performance from a small-engine car, then yes, it could be worth the hefty price and Nissan might just have pulled off an awesome product.
Its looks are top-class, and it feels that way too inside the car. Materials feel plush and the two-tone look certainly adds to the drama.
The dashboard is based on a ‘gliding wing’ design while the D-shaped, multi-functional steering wheel matches the flow -says Nissan.
Safety goodies include six airbags, and other high-level safety features such as auto headlights with auto hazard and niceties such as hillstart assist, cruise control with adjustable speed limit and fully adjustable steering wheel.
Eish, one would have expected Miss Green to be my accompanying driver but as at times fate would have it, she was nowhere to be seen the following morning -thanks to a pounding headache that seemed not to go away. Yep, I said it Carla, as our ‘boss’ lady Veralda gave handful of us a third-degree the ‘micra way’.
Price ranges:
Nissan Micra Visia -R233 500
Nissan Micra Acenta – R257 400
Nissan Micra Acenta Plus – R272 400
