The Nissan Micra S, a subcompact car that made its return to the Canadian market three years ago, has captured the hearts of many with its unique charm and affordability. This review delves into the styling, comfort, value, and performance of this budget-friendly vehicle. While the future of the Micra remains uncertain with the release of the 5th generation model globally, this review focuses on the current 4th generation, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Exterior and Interior Styling of the Nissan Micra S
The Nissan Micra S stands out with its distinctive, almost playful design. While Nissan’s newer models, such as the Qashqai and LEAF, showcase a more serious and chiseled aesthetic, the Micra embraces a cheerful and bubbly appearance. Its oversized headlights, short hood, and relatively large wheels contribute to its “cute” persona.
Inside, the Micra S prioritizes functionality over luxury. The cabin features hard plastics and a simple layout. While lacking in premium materials, the ergonomic design ensures a user-friendly experience.
Comfort and Space in the Nissan Micra S
As a subcompact car, the Nissan Micra S offers reasonable space for its size. Four adults can fit comfortably, with sufficient legroom and headroom. However, shoulder room and elbow room can feel tight, especially in the rear seats. The trunk space is decent for a subcompact hatchback, though it falls on the smaller side compared to some competitors.
The seats, particularly in the front, offer adequate comfort for short trips. However, they may lack sufficient support for longer journeys. Storage options are limited, with door bins providing the primary storage space. Cupholder usage eliminates other storage possibilities, leaving only the glove compartment.
Value and Equipment of the Nissan Micra S
The Nissan Micra S boasts an incredibly attractive starting price of $9,998. This price point provides a brand new vehicle with a full warranty, essential features like a heater, steering wheel, engine, transmission, radio, and wipers. Opting for an automatic transmission, a 4-speed in this case, increases the price to $13,698 and includes air conditioning and cruise control. The manual SV model adds power windows, door locks, and other features for a slightly higher price.
Powertrain and Handling of the Nissan Micra S
The Nissan Micra S emphasizes lightweight construction, contributing to its nimble handling. Powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft. of torque, the Micra S offers surprising pep for its size. The 5-speed manual transmission, while requiring some finesse in first and second gear, provides an engaging driving experience.
The Micra S’s suspension, featuring a torsion beam at the rear and MacPherson struts upfront, allows for noticeable body lean but provides a communicative driving experience. The ride is generally comfortable, and the steering and brakes are well-tuned. Fuel economy is impressive, with an average of around 7.5L/100km even with spirited driving. The Micra S proves that driving pleasure doesn’t have to come at a premium price. Its lightweight design and responsive engine make it a fun and engaging car to drive.
