Nissan Micra ST automatic 2015 review

As much as a small 1.2-litre three-cylinder hatchback could be considered aggressive, the new Micra is more so, according to Nissan. The city runabout has 'a new style that delivers a stronger, more assertive and dynamic look,' its maker opines.

With almost seven million sales under its belt in more than 30 years, the Nissan small car now checks in with a long list of upgrades, including revised spec levels, a new look and a slew of technical innovations.

The Micra, known as Nissan March in some countries, is built in four centres around the world and sold globally. All cars coming to Australia are made in India. 

Nissan Micra ST manual hits the market at $13,490, plus on-road costs, an automatic version ups the price to $15,290, while the Ti comes in automatic only for $16,990. Nissan made the ST auto available for our week's road test.

Design

The smallest Nissan in Australia has come in for some big changes with more than 50 per cent new body panels. It now features the Nissan 'V-Motion' front grille, delivering a stronger, more distinctive and dynamic look. This frontal shape was introduced in the SUV and 4WD Nissans, yet also looks good on this passenger car.

In addition, the latest Micra sports a new bonnet, front guards, restyled front and rear bumper, new headlights and rear lamps as well as new-design wheels. Micra Ti grade enjoys 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lights and auto headlights.

Inside, the surroundings are of a higher standard than previously, with trim and surface finishes being given a quality look and feel. 

All variants feature a new centre cluster, updated dashboard instrumentation and seat trim. Power windows are now standard.

Features

The top grade 2015 Micra Ti takes the 5.8-inch touch screen satellite navigation, reverse camera and LED rear lights.

Auxiliary port and Bluetooth phone system with audio streaming are now standard.

Engines / Transmissions

The 2015 Micra retains the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit producing 56kW and 104Nm.

Nissan rates fuel economy on the combined urban/highway cycle at 5.9L/100km for the five-speed manual transmission grade and 6.5L/100km for the four-speed automatics. Cruise control is standard.

Safety

Passive safety is covered by front to rear curtain airbags, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear seatbelts, plus driver's seatbelt warning and alarm.

The usual active safety suspects - vehicle dynamic control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist – found in more expensive cars – are standard Micra features.

Driving

Nissan Micra does not take 'forever and a day' to reach 100km/h from a standing start, it only seems like it.

On more than one occasion during our test the Micra made a meal of getting up to speed when filtering into motorway traffic from a slip road: practice makes perfect, it's a matter of becoming used to the car. 

An unusually high fuel consumption of 5.1L/100km for such a small engine on the motorway requires some explanation. Although of a small three-cylinder, 1.2-litre capacity it only has a four-speed automatic transmission. At maximum motorway speed of 110km/h the engine is revving at 3000 rpm.

In an urban context the Micra was an exemplar of frugality at around 7.0-8.0L/100km.