nissan micra

I was particularly interested to test the latest Nissan Micra as I owned one of the original examples myself when the model first appeared a couple of decades back. I had decided to buy one having been loaned an example for a few days when my own car was in dock. That little 1.2 Micra impressed me greatly, so one was acquired. I never regretted it and it gave me fourteen years – yes, fourteen! – good service, never letting me down. Eventually I sold it to a friend and it continued to carry on its good work until I lost touch with it.

So now, here was the latest version and I chose the 1.6 – engined SR model, which develops a useful 10 bhp. Again my week with it only confirmed my earlier appreciative attitude and I was sorry when it went back to Nissan’s Press Fleet. Obviously the new Micra has changed in many ways with a completely new body shape and the bigger engine. In fact, the model can come with a range of engines from 1.2 petrol up to this 1.6, and also a 1.5 turbo-diesel. I must try the latter some time – it should be distinctly quick!

This one attracted a lot of attention, partly because of its number plate, which is ‘M1CRA’. I bet it would attract a lot of money if the plate were ever sold! Whatever this little Micra is an excellent city car, yet can still carry five people with adequate legroom in the back as the rear seats have a fore-and-aft sliding adjustment. It is good for access too with low door sills and the seats hold one nice and snugly. The main instruments are clear to read in daytime as well, not being deeply cowled as on so many modern cars. The boot is of modest size but to carry a folded wheelchair, not surprisingly one would need to fold the rear seatbacks down flat.

Out on the road, this Micra rides well on most road surfaces and the lights give excellent night vision. The heads are housed in curiously bulged lenses that stand up from the front bonnet line, slightly froglike – another of the distinctive features of which this car abounds.

0-62mph acceleration is achieved in less than ten seconds and this, while returning a combined fuel consumption of over 50mpg, can’t be grumbled at. The on-the-road price is around £10,500 and the advance payment on the Motability Contract Hire scheme is Nil for almost all the variants including this one. In fact only an Auto 1.6 version with convertible body calls for just under £1000. So, all in all, for any disabled motorist seeking a compact city car with Nissan’s fine reputation for reliability – why look further?

Model
Nissan Micra Hatchback
08457 669966
www.nissan.co.uk

Cost
£7,495-£12,845

Motability
40 Models are available through the scheme, ranging from the 1.2 petrol version to the 1.6 16v. Call 0800 093 1000, or visit www.motability.co.uk.

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