Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) Review
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) At A Glance
The Nissan Micra used to be the mainstay of learners, new drivers and thrifty motorists. But then Nissan made a mess of it with the dull 2010 model. Fortunately, the 2017 version was a huge improvement. As a result, as a used car it can hold its head high alongside the likes of the big-selling Ford Fiesta and reliable Toyota Yaris. Read on for our full Nissan Micra review.
The looks of this Nissan Micra divide opinion – we have to admit we are not huge fans – but it does at least stand out in the small car sector.
However, where the Nissan Micra appeals is with its easy-to-drive nature, cheap running costs and lots of safety tech as standard.
It was even available with a host of personalisation features, so you could have vibrant interior and exterior details, a variety of different alloy wheel designs, upholstery finishes and even decals or roof stripes.
Just be careful what you take on with a used model so that it suits your taste, and not just your budget.
Originally, there were three engines – a basic, old-fashioned 1.0-litre petrol with 75PS, a 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol with 90PS and a 1.5 dCi diesel, also with 90PS. Of these, the 0.9 is probably the best choice, since it’s punchy, responsive and fairly economical.
In 2019, a 1.0-litre IG-T 100PS petrol was introduced, available with a five-speed manual or a new CVT automatic that Nissan calls ‘Xtronic’.
A warm hatch was launched with a 117PS 1.0-litre DIG-T engine.
All the final suspension and steering development was undertaken in the UK and the Nissan Micra makes light work of uneven, potholed British roads. It can’t match the class best (such as the Ford Fiesta) for handling, but it’s composed nonetheless.
The cabin is nicely finished, with a neat layout and some plush material choices, plus it’s fairly practical. The back row is big enough for adults at a push, while the boot is a decent size and shape. There is a high load lip – but that’s only an issue with bulky, heavy items.
Even the most basic Nissan Micra comes with lane departure warning, lane keep assistance and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection – gizmos that weren’t often standard even on cars from the class above.
Weirdly, though, there was no standard air-conditioning or alloy wheels.
Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar’s Nissan Micra review.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 IG-T to 1.5 dCi 90
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 36–85 mpg
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Handling and ride quality
The final stages of development for this generation of Nissan Micra were undertaken in the UK, and that shows in the way the car drives.
The steering is nicely weighted and the suspension does a good job of balancing comfortable ride quality with predictable handling, even on lumpy and uneven roads.
This handling is helped by a system which is rather grandly named Intelligent Trace Control. This gently brakes the inside wheels in a corner to help tighten up the line in a very subtle but useful way, making the Nissan Micra surprisngly agile on a twisting road.
While it’s capable, it’s not in the same league as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, but it’s still very enjoyable, especially with one of the three-cylinder petrols under the bonnet.
It’s responsive from low-engine speeds, so gives enough punch for overtaking, but it’s also economical with an official figure of more than 60mpg.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Engines
The Nissan Micra is available with 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. This produces 90PS, but it makes more torque and is quieter, so works well on the motorway. However, the 0.9 isn’t bad for cruising either.
There’s also an entry-level 1.0-litre petrol with 75PS, which is more suitable for drivers who spend the majority of their time around town and will prove very cheap to insure. All three come with a five-speed manual transmission.
In early 2019, two new engines were added to the Nissan Micra range. Both are three-cylinder 1.0-litre units, but they are two different engines.
The first is the 1.0-litre IG-T with 100PS, which is more than adequate for everyday driving. But the real appeal is that it’s available with an automatic – the first time this was the case with a Nissan Micra.
The CVT features ‘steps’ to give a passable impression of a seven-speed torque converter. It’s very pleasant and fuss free.
Alongside that is another three-cylinder 1.0-litre, but this one is badged DIG-T and has 117PS. It’s feels far more sprightly than the IG-T, with good mid-range pulling power helped by 180Nm of torque.
It has a decent turn of speed, too, and although not as impressive as the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost 125, is very good performer nonetheless.
Choose this engine and regardless of trim, it comes with a 10mm lower ride height, revised suspension tuning and a quicker steering rack.
Sadly, the results don’t quite work and rather than the comfortable nature of the Nissan Micra we like, it changes to a firm riding hatch with busy suspension that doesn’t seem to settle down.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Safety
Feature that really set the Nissan Micra apart from its rivals are lane keep assistance, lane departure warning and auto emergency braking, with pedestrian detection as standard.
These technologies are typically only found in bigger cars of the time and provide useful safety benefits, but also reduce the cost of insurance.
There are some extra safety and convenience technologies that were not standard, including a birds-eye camera that gives a clear around view of the car to make parking effortless.
It’s definitely worth considering a used car with this, because the rearward visibility isn’t great.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Towing
The Nissan Micra is not the first car that springs to mind when you think of towing, but it can tow a braked trailer of up to 555kg depending on the trim and engine fitted.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
0.9 IG-T | 61–64 mpg | 11.8–12.1 s | 99–129 g/km |
0.9 IG-T Automatic | - | 13.0 s | 140–145 g/km |
1.0 | 61 mpg | - | 110–121 g/km |
1.0 DIG-T | - | - | 114–115 g/km |
1.0 IG-T | - | 10.9 s | 103–105 g/km |
1.0 IG-T Automatic | - | 13.0 s | 112–113 g/km |
1.5 dCi 90 | 76–88 mpg | 11.9 s | 85–92 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
81%
Real MPG
36–85 mpg
MPGs submitted
68
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) interior
- Boot space is 300–956 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3999 mm |
Width | 1743–1935 mm |
Height | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase | 2525 mm |
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Practicality
Space is fine at the front, with a decent amount of elbow room and plenty of adjustment in the driving position, along with cubby holes for storing small items.
The rear is less impressive, with a sloping roofline impeding headroom, although there’s enough space for short trips or smaller occupants.
The boot is practical, with a decent 300 litres of capacity. That’s more than enough for a weekly shop or a weekend away, but there is a load lip to lift bulky items over and the rear seat backs don’t fold flush with the boot floor.
With the rear seats down, capacity is 1004 litres.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Quality and finish
Inside, the Nissan Micra is nicely finished, with a comfortable, good-quality feel.
There are lots of optional colours and inlay details too, so if you want to liven up the dashboard with textured blue rubber or orange leather, then you can with the used example you choose.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Infotainment
Aside from the handy safety gadgets, basic Nissan Micra Visia models come with Bluetooth connectivity and not much more. You’ll need an Acenta trim or above to get a touchscreen system.
Thankfully it’s a good one, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) value for money
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Prices
An early Nissan Micra of this generation is likely to cost from around £9000, with a reasonable 45,000 miles on the clock.
Opt for one of the last of this run of Nissan Micras, and you’ll spend as much as £17,000 for one with little more than delivery mileage in an upper trim level.
Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022): Running Costs
The petrol-powered versions of the Nissan Micra were all claimed to top 60mpg.
Our Real MPG data suggests that’s more likely to be 50mpg in normal driving, which is still plenty to be getting along with.
The diesel engine in the Nissan Micra is even better, claiming up to 80.7mpg and providing 70mpg in reality. For higher mileage drivers, this is a very frugal way to get about.
Insurance (groups 1 to 8) and servicing will not unduly raid your bank balance, and nor will road tax costs as all Nissan Micras fall into the post-1 April 2017 category, with a flat rate of £180 per year.
The Nissan Micra is also proving to be a very reliable small car, so you shouldn’t have to fret about unexpected garage bills.
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The Nissan Micra Visia+ trim has air-conditioning and Stop/Start Technology, but that’s about it.
For a better level of kit, you need the Nissan Micra Acenta that adds 16-inch alloys, body-coloured door mirrors and door handles, advanced drive assist display, a seven-inch touchscreen display with four speakers, cruise control, two-tone upholstery, app integration and Apple CarPlay.
The Nissan Micra N-Connecta model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric folding heated door mirrors, privacy glass, leather steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning and the NissanConnect seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Nissan Micra Tekna grade adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key with engine start button, rear view camera with rear parking sensors, and a Bose Personal audio system with six speakers.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3999 mm |
Width | 1743–1935 mm |
Height | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase | 2525 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1024–1113 kg |
Boot Space | 300–956 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 12000–18000 miles |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £11,995–£20,740 |
Insurance Groups | 1–8 |
Road Tax Bands | A–F |
Official MPG | 61.4–88.3 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
On sale until December 2022
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Acenta IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.8 s |
Acenta IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 13.0 s |
Kiiro IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.8 s |
Kiiro IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 13.0 s |
N Sport IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.8 s |
N Sport IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 13.0 s |
Tekna IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.8 s |
Tekna IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 13.0 s |
On sale until November 2022
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Visia IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.8 s |
On sale until April 2021
On sale until January 2019
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 71ps Acenta 5dr | £14,900 | - | - |
1.0 71ps Acenta Limited Edition 5dr | £13,450 | 61.4 mpg | - |
1.0 71ps Visia 5dr | £12,750 | - | - |
1.0 71ps Visia+ 5dr | £13,700 | - | - |
On sale until April 2017
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Acenta 5dr | £14,995 | 64.2 mpg | - |
0.9 Ig-T 90ps N-Connecta 5dr | £15,995 | 64.2 mpg | - |
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Tekna 5dr | £17,295 | 61.4 mpg | - |
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Visia+ 5dr | £13,795 | 64.2 mpg | - |
1.0 73ps Acenta 5dr | £14,145 | - | - |
1.0 73ps Visia 5dr | £11,995 | - | - |
1.0 73ps Visia+ 5dr | £12,945 | - | - |
1.5 dCi 90ps Acenta 5dr | £16,345 | 88.3 mpg | - |
1.5 dCi 90ps N-Connecta 5dr | £17,345 | 88.3 mpg | - |
1.5 dCi 90ps Tekna 5dr | £18,645 | 80.7 mpg | - |
1.5 dCi 90ps Visia 5dr | £14,195 | 88.3 mpg | - |
1.5 dCi 90ps Visia+ 5dr | £15,145 | 88.3 mpg | - |
Model History
- September 2016: Nissan Micra unveiled
- December 2016: UK pricing and specification announced
- May 2017: Micra now available with 1.0-litre engine
- September 2017: Mirca Bose launched
- January 2019: Nissan N-Tec Edition announced
- January 2019: New engines added to Nissan Micra range
- November 2020: Updated Nissan Micra priced from £13,995
- February 2022: Nissan Micra Kiiro special edition priced from £18,375
September 2016
Nissan Micra unveiled
Designed for Europe, the fifth generation Micra gets a new look with a V-motion grills and hidden rear door handles plus an extended roofline that incorporates a spoiler.
There are 10 exterior colours, including Energy Orange. Additional exterior and interior personalisation options allow for the creation of 125 different variations.
Much attention has been paid to driver comfort, with a lower driving position for a more secure driving feel. It’s easy for all drivers to achieve the perfect driving position thanks to greater seat adjustment, the fully adjustable steering wheel and the optimal positioning of the pedals and shift lever. The car’s extended width and wheelbase means cabin space is among the best in class.
The Micra will come with a 7-inch full colour central display, providing access to the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.
It also features include Active Ride Control for enhanced ride comfort, and Active Trace Control for reduced understeer and sharper handling – combining driver enjoyment and reassurance – innovations only available on Nissan’s Qashqai and X-Trail until now. A new brushless electric power steering system – for greater steering feel and response - is also available.
At launch, the car will offer the choice of a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90PS.The range will be joined soon after by a naturally aspirated 73PS 1.0-litre petrol engine.
December 2016
UK pricing and specification announced
The All New Nissan Micra will be available to UK customers from £11,995 with range-topping Tekna versions starting from £17,295.
There are five grade levels on the New Micra – Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna. At the heart of the range, the IG-T 90 Acenta, expected to be one of the most popular versions, is available for £14,995 and strikes a balance of style, specification and affordability.
At launch, the New Micra was offered with a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90PS. A naturally aspirated 73PS1.0-litre petrol engine will join the range soon after.
Options include keyless entry with engine start/stop button; heated front seats, and a first-of-its-kind Bose sound system with Bose UltraNearfield speakers, combined with Bose PersonalSpace Virtual Audio Technology, built into the driver seat headrest for an immersive listening experience.
There are ten body colours to choose from, including solid, metallic and pearlescent paint options.
Buyers can personalise the Micra with a range of exterior and interior personalisation packs including contrast-colour cabin and body features, leather trim, 17-inch alloys with colour detailing and body decals.
May 2017
Micra now available with 1.0-litre engine
The three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. Official fuel economy is 61.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 103g/km when running on 15 or 16-inch wheels.
The new 1.0-litre 71PS engine joins the 0.9-litre 90PS three-cylinder turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre 90PS four-cylinder diesel, which went on sale earlier this year.
September 2017
Mirca Bose launched
Production is limited to just 600 units in the UK to ensure exclusivity, and key to its customer appeal is the unique-to-Micra Bose Personal audio system. It delivers an immersive 360° sound experience through Bose digital signal processing and six high-performance speakers. These include the two pioneering Bose UltraNearfield speakers built into the driver’s seat head rest.
The Nissan Micra Bose Personal Edition is based on the range-topping Tekna grade. Enigma Black or Echo Grey exterior colours come included in the car’s price, as well as Exterior Ultimate and Interior personalisation packs, both in Energy Orange.
Exterior personalisation includes orange finishers fitted to the front and rear bumper, side mouldings, mirrors caps and 17-inch alloys. The personalised look is finished with high-quality anodised black and orange stickers on the roof and bonnet. Unique BOSE Personal badging on the Micra’s B-pillars marks the car out as a limited edition. LED headlamps round off the premium exterior of the Micra BOSE Personal Edition.
Interior personalisation includes soft-touch, double-stitched Energy Orange inserts on the seats, floor mats and kick plates. A premium arm rest between the front seats has also been added, combining style with comfort.
The Nissan Micra Bose Personal Edition comes with a choice of two engines – the 0.9-litre 90PS three-cylinder downsized turbo petrol, priced from £18,635 OTR (inc. VAT) and the 1.5-litre 90PS turbodiesel, priced from £19,965 OTR (inc. VAT).
January 2019
Nissan N-Tec Edition announced
Available on Micra, Qashqai and X-Trail models, the N-Tec features styling additions and the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility innovations.
Priced from £16,995 and based on the Acenta grade, the Micra N-Tec features sporty 17-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black details, privacy glass and front fog lights. To increase convenience, the NissanConnect infotainment system packages a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as rear parking sensors and rear view camera. Safety technology includes Intelligent Emergency Braking to assist the driver in potential emergency situations.
The N-Tec edition is available to order from this month.
January 2019
New engines added to Nissan Micra range
There is an upgraded and more efficient turbocharged petrol engine, the debut of an Xtronic automatic linked to the same engine plus the arrival of a more powerful 'warm hatch' with lowered ride height, revised suspension and sharper steering.
Nissan has also launched an all-new special version, the Micra N-Sport.
The all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged IG-T petrol delivers 100PS through a five-speed manual transmission and is also available with an Xtronic automatic transmission for the first time. The Xtronic automatic is a CVT unit. It features D-step technology, which according to Nissan 'provides a more refined power delivery and on-road experience for the driver when compared to a conventional.'
The new top of the range model is the 1.0-litre DIG-T 117PS turbocharged petrol engine, linked to a more performance-oriented six-speed manual transmission. It is a completely different 1.0-litre engine. with 180Nm of torque and a 20Nm overboost.
The Nissan Micra N-Sport is a special version for 2019. Nissan says it is positioned in the heart of the 'warm hatch' category occupied by contenders such as the Ford Fiesta ST Line, Polo R-Line, Peugeot 208 GT Line and SEAT Ibiza FR.
It comes with carbon-style finish on the alloy wheels and door mirror caps, gloss black finish on side mouldings / front and rear bumpers, N-Sport badge on the rear, rear privacy glass and halogen front fog lamps. Inside there is an Alcantara / leather interior fabric, white air vents, a front seat arm rest, black headliner, sports-design floor mats, a rear view camera with parking sensors and iKey (remote entry with push-button engine start).
The new Nissan Micra N-Sport is available with all three new engines – the 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS manual and Xtronic, plus the DIG-T 117 PS manual – as well as the existing 1.5-litre dCi 90 PS diesel. It is available in four distinct body colours – Passion Red, Solid White, Gunmetal Grey and Enigma Black.
November 2020
Updated Nissan Micra priced from £13,995
The updated 2021 Micra maintains the current grade line up of Visia, Acenta, N-Sport and Tekna.
LED headlamps are now standard on both N-Sport and Tekna grades while 17-inch diamond cut alloys are now standard on Tekna, alongside the Intelligent Around View Monitor.
Nissan says the striking N-Sport is designed from the wheels-up to turn heads. On the exterior, the gloss black front, rear and side finishers and black mirror caps perfectly complement the 17-inch black perso alloy wheels. On the N-Sport, fog lamps and headlamps come in full LED as standard. Inside, the N Sport's seats are made with Alcantara inserts while there's a matching dashboard.
The Tekna is packed with in-car entertainment technology and advanced driving features. The brand's Intelligent Around View Monitor camera system, helping drivers negotiate difficult parking scenarios safely and easily, is available with moving object detection and Blind Spot Warning; exclusive to the Tekna grade, it comes installed as standard.
The Tekna also comes with Bose Personal audio including Ultra Nearfield speakers built into the driver’s headrest.
The NissanConnect infotainment system with TomTom navigation is available as an option on Acenta and N-Sport and is standard on Tekna.
Apple CarPlay with Siri voice recognition and Android Auto with Google Assistant are available as standard from Acenta with a host of additional in-car entertainment features.
From Visia grade upwards, Micra is equipped with essential safety technologies, including; Hill Start Assist; Intelligent Ride Control; and Intelligent Trace Control for improved handling in difficult conditions.
Further advanced technologies are offered as standard in the Safety Pack. This includes; High Beam Assist; Intelligent Lane Intervention; Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition.
The 2021 Micra goes on sale in November 2020, starting from £13,995.
February 2022
Nissan Micra Kiiro special edition priced from £18,375
Limited to 250 models in the UK, the Kiiro special edition is based on the Acenta grade. It adds the Vision Pack as standard (with rear parking sensors, navigation, air con and rear electric windows) as well as yellow exterior highlights and gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels.
What to watch out for
Report of new Nissan Micra DIG-T 117 stalling when idling. Nissan dealer checked all the earth connections and reprogrammed the ECU, yet the car still keept stalling.
25-08-2019:Stalling issue of a new Nissan Micra DIG-T 117 (19-8-2019) was resolved by Nissan. There are 3 pipes that supply air to engine. Each of these 3 pipes has a one-way valve. Unfortunately, a batch of these pipes we made by the supplier with one of the one-way valves facing the wrong way. This caused oxygen starvation when the engine was idling. Removing and re-seating the one-way valve the correct way around has solved the problem. Nissan has just issued a technical bulletin to dealers about this. The following link shows a photo of the engine and the offending pipes (But was 'down' when we tried to link): https://mega.nz/#!2MR1kKBB!UyQfUMiT1onqI_d_hUwRz9oYIz0mvR4xJokP4mFZCKw .
13-11-2019:Report of front suspension problems with 2017 Nissan Mictra K14 bought used independently. Started with a crunching sound from the front in March 2017, dealt with by local Nissan dealer who changed the front suspension bushes and the steering rack. Since then owner has been getting a banging noise in 3 loud bangs in quick succession which can be heard from outside the car and by owner's feet through the floor as she pulls away within the first 2 seconds but not every time (could go for 10 days with no sound.) Nissan dealer has been excellent and has changed both lower arm suspension and the offside drive shaft on the offside to no avail.