2011 Nissan Micra Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the K12C and K13 Nissan Micra from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Nissan Micra is a small hatchback with the sort of cheeky styling that appeals to many. Aimed chiefly at being a city car, it nevertheless works fine on motorways, as well as country roads that are in decent condition. Micra was sold in Australia in the mid 1990s but was too expensive, didn't sell well and was later

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1995, 1997, 2007, 2009 and 2011 Nissan Micra as a used buy.

A UK Top Gear host famously reviewed the Nissan Micra while wearing a paper bag over his head. The car in question was an eye-gouging pink, which alone was enough reason to go incognito. And it was also a few years ago, when a Micra in any colour was a bad idea.But there’s no shame in being seen in the current Micra. It’s true the little car has its faults. However, you have to weigh them up against its good points: economy, space and -- in the base model -- price.We tested the $12,990 manual base model and then skipped over the $14,990 mid-range ST-L to the $16,990 Ti ($18,990 as tested with the $2000 auto option).That’s not cheap, compared to the rivals – mainly the $11,990 Chery J1 and Suzuki Alto, and even the Barina Spark comes in at $500 less.It had a strong competitor in the Hyundai Getz, but the little Korean is leaving the battlefield. However the Micra could face an even stronger on in the new Kia Rio, which arrives in September armed with fresh new looks and attitude.But the Micra currently argues well on equipment, with the base model getting a respectable amount of safety kit, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, remote central locking and MP3/CD audio system with controls on the steering wheel.The instrument panel curiously offers ‘personalised anniversary, birthday and New Year reminders’ which raises the question of whether people too vague to register the end of a year should be behind a wheel at all. But it does explain why all sorts of warning chimes, bleeps and blips are standard.Upper spec ditches the steel wheels for alloys – and a full-sized spare – and adds power-folding mirrors, climate-control for the airconditioning, reverse parking sensors and a driver’s armrest that was so annoying we punched it in frustration.However the top-spec’s price has to be shopped against contenders like the $16,690 Volkswagen Polo, $16,990 Ford Fiesta and $16,990 Mazda2, all three of which leave it eating dust in terms of both value and verve.The Micra’s looks have calmed down over the years, but it’s still a tallish pod with front and rear lines that slope steeply away. But it no longer has the little ‘buds’ on the headlights for you to tell where the front corners are, and you really have to crane over the dash to see where the bonnet disappears – before you bury it into something.Dash design is good, with the oversized – and probably iPod-inspired airconditioning controls adding a bit of funkiness.Storage spaces are at a premium, with a tiny glove box and miserly door pockets, while the little nooks in the centre console don’t take much, and the storage space in the front passenger seat only works if you’re flying solo. Luckily, the cargo area is generous, and with the rear seats down almost cavernous for a car this size.However the main let-down is the poor impression left by touchpoints like the steering wheel and seats – all of which are hard and feel cheap. The driver’s seat gets a flip-down armrest that was so annoyingly positioned we punched it in frustration.The base model ST gets a 56kW/100Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder, which claims 5.9L/100km with the standard five-speed manual and 6.5L/100km with the optional four-speed automatic.The ST-L and Ti get a 75kW/136Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder with fuel figures posted at 6.5L for the manual and 6.6L for the auto.Suspension is McPherson strut and stabiliser bar at the front and torsion beam with springs at the rear. And some corners have been cut with the brakes, which are front discs but rear drums at all spec levels.It does well at this price level with six airbags, dynamic control and anti-skid brakes with brake assist for panic stops and brakeforce distribution to send more anchor to the corners that need it.The Micra hasn’t been crash-tested in Australia, but in Europe get four stars.The first thing you notice is how much headroom the Micra offers, even in the rear pew. However passengers back there don’t get much legroom unless the front seats are set forward.We suspected we’d prefer the Ti’s 1.5-litre engine – so no shock there. But we were surprised to find the base model’s 1.2-litre wasn’t an outright woofer.Granted, it was better on the flat and struggled on hills, especially with more than two people, but if you were unhurried about the slopes it got there eventually.Its downside was that when you needed to rev it – which was often – the lack of sound damping meant you got an earful of noise. And not the good kind.The larger engine was our clear favourite, even with the four-speed auto. Again, steep slopes gave it a bit of pause – you had to throw it back into second gear on some hills -- but these were the kind that joggers set as a training challenge.Otherwise it punted the Micra’s light weight around with ease. Coupled with a manual transmission to stoke it along, this engine could offer up even more enthusiasm.The steering is light but with acceptable feel for a city bug, and with a satisfying return to centre. The wheels at far corners help with dynamics, letting you flick the little body around easily – and parking is naturally a cinch.But both our test cars fared poorly in the noise assessment. The manual had some unpleasant sounds coming from around the rear underfloor (possibly wheel bearings) while the rear roof spoiler on the Ti added a chorus to the wind noise from the front on both.The Micra range is pitched at the budget-conscious city dweller, and – graded on the curve – it’s a good little jigger for the job.But if Nissan spent a few more dollars on softening both the noise intrusion and the touchpoints, it would be twice the car it is now.As it stands, the base model is a good price, but not a good car, while the auto Ti is underdone when shopped against the competition.

…and competent budget cars rolling out of Australian showrooms.Cheap in 2011 no longer means tin-can terrible; from $11,790 for the Suzuki Alto to $12,990 for Nissan's Micra there's the choice of five, five-door hatchbacks safer, better-equipped and better-built than ever.Ten years ago the cheapest cars on the local market were the likes of the three-door Hyundai Excel at $13,990 and the Daewoo Lanos at $13,000.Since then average Australian income has jumped 21 per cent in real terms according to the ACTU even though petrol's gone from 80 cents a litre to $1.40 and more.But car prices have fallen in real terms, thanks to increased competition, a strong dollar and new brands headed this way from China.Technology, trickling down from higher-priced machines or, like stability control, mandated by authorities has made these budget cars more attractive than ever.Malaysian maker Proton were among the first to slice retail prices in the face of a feared onslaught from China, dropping the $11,990 S16 sedan into the light car battle market last November.Now Suzuki has taken the lead on pricing. (And Proton, with stock tight while waiting for a replacement, perhaps cheaper, model later this year couldn't make it to this comparison with an S16.)Their rivals are all finding new homes. While the overall car market is sluggish, down 5.3 per cent on last year, light cars have slipped only 1.4 per cent. Some 55,000 light cars were sold to the end of May, the second biggest segment after small cars and ahead of compact SUV sales figures.Suzuki Australia's general manager Tony Devers says the light car segment has grown dramatically over the past five years as Australians become more urbanised, more inner-city focussed.For Suzuki, light car buyers are split into two camps - over-45s looking for a second car and under-25s looking for university and city transport."What's the alternative - a four or five year old car with less fuel effciency and safety?" Devers says.VALUEYou get a surprising amount of kit in a cheap car these days: electric mirrors (in all but the Alto), airconditioning, plenty of safety equipment, electric windows (front only, but all four in the Chery) and quality sound systems.There is only $1200 between the cheapest and the dearest and the resale values are pretty close, too.Vehicle sizes are also much the same as is power. You would have to be Mark Webber to pick the difference between the least powerful (Alto 50kW) and the most powerful (Chery 62kW).The Micra wins on features with Bluetooth, USB input and steering wheel audio controls, but it is also the most expensive.The Alto is cheapest, but doesn't miss out on too many creature comforts except electric mirrors. And for an extra $700 the GLX has fog lights and alloys.TECHNOLOGYThe four cheapies we tested come with the new age of downsized engine. In the Micra and Alto, they are three-cylinder powerplants. The three-cylinder models were a little rough at idle, but so economical they mark the way of the future for city cars. In real world conditions, it was difficult to pick any power differences."It's surprising they are three-cylinder cars," says guest tester William Churchill. "They're pretty zippy for a three." On a low-tech note, it is difficult to distinguish the lock and unlock buttons on the Alto and Chery key fobs, while the Micra adds a car locator button that blows the horn.DESIGNThe Micra looks the most grown up and least quirky, having lost its bug eyes in the latest restyle. It also sits the nicest on its wheels, with marginal gaps in the wheel arches.One of our guest test-drivers, Amy Spencer, says she liked the slightly SUV look of the Chery. It also has smart alloy wheels and an instantly appealing interior.The Chinese have tried hard to funk up the cabin space, even if the seats lack support and some of the fit and finish isn't the best. Alto and Barina look similar on the exterior. Inside, both have comfortable and supportive seats, but the Holden trip computer is a bit too fussy and busy for easy reading.Cabin dimensions are similar across the four, although the Micra has best back seat legroom and the most luggage capacity, while the Alto's boot is tiny.The Chery also scored points with Spencer for its handy dashboard storage compartment.She and fellow volunteer test driver Penny Langfield also noted the importance of vanity mirrors on the visors. The Micra and Barina have two vanity mirrors, while the Chery has one on the passenger's side and Alto has one on the driver's side.SAFETYLangfield commented that safety is one of the most important aspects to consider."That is the thing you worry about the most with a small car," she says.But cheap doesn't mean they have scrimped on safety features. All have electronic stability control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution.The Chery has only dual front airbags, but the rest come with six airbags.According to the Australian New Car Assessment Program, the Chery has a three-star crash rating, Barina and Alto four stars and the Micra has not yet been tested, but the previous model with only dual front airbags had a three-star rating.DRIVINGWe took our three young volunteer drivers on a short city-based drive with plenty of hills and some freeway cruising. The Chery suffered a little from being straight out of the box with only about 150km on the odo and most of that on test.It may still be bedding in the brakes, but they felt mushy until they warmed up. Then they got a bit firmer, but still lacked initial bite and feel.The Chery's airconditioning also has a ringing sound in the fan which may go away after a while.We also noticed it revved a bit when you pushed in the clutch, indicating perhaps a slightly sticky throttle while still new.Yet the Chery drew favourable comments from all quarters for its responsive and "zippy" engine. However, Langfield noted it was "a bit sluggish coming up the hill"."I've heard all the hype about this being the cheapest car, but it goes better than I thought it would," she says. Spencer was rapt with the sound system: "It's great when you ramp it up."However, she instantly fell in love with the Micra."I liked this car from when I reversed it out of the carpark. It's quite zippy. I love the big mirrors. I like how the dashboard gives it a bit of space. It's not cramped up."She also liked the fact the seat height adjustment in the Micra and Suzuki: "It's great for short people."Churchill says the Micra's instruments are easy to read and found the audio controls on the steering wheel convenient."Smooth" was the word for Langfield to described the power, gearshift and ride."It's got a good audio system. The radio is nice and high," she says as she pumps up the volume on Triple J. She also likes the ample cup holders.The Barina is a no-fuss, solid and strong city car. "It's simple to drive but the LCD screen on the instrument panel is a bit distracting and very busy," says Churchill. Langfield agrees, but says, "I'm sure you would get used to it after a while."She liked the "smooth gear action" but found it "a bit gutless in places, but it picks up when you need it".The Suzuki surprised us all with its plucky three-cylinder engine. "It takes off when you want it to. It feels more intuitive and responsive," says Langfield.But Spencer laments the lack of boot space. "There'll be no camping weekends with this boot."Churchill says the gearshift was easy and the clutch feels light. "It's the most simple to get in and just drive."VERDICTThe Chery is the real surprise. It's better than we thought and attracted some good comments for styling, audio and power.The Barina feels safe, strong and reliable, while the Micra feels the most refined, although the most expensive. But we have to agree with the punters.While we found good and different points across the four we appreciate the Suzuki's willingness and price point as the leader of this pack.Last word goes to Langfield: "All these cars are better than my car so I really can't complain."VOTINGPenny Langfield: 1 Alto, 2 Micra, 3 Barina, 4 Chery. "It just feels good to drive. You feel like you are driving a real car, not a toy".Amy Spencer: 1 Micra, 2 Alto, 3 Barina, 4 Chery. "An all-round good car. It has a bit of storage space and just looks and feels good to drive."William Churchill: 1 Alto, 2 Barina, 3 Chery, 4 Micra. "I can get in and didn't need to get used to driving it. The dashboard is also easy to use."SUZUKI ALTO GLPrice: $11,790Body: 5-door hatchbackEngine: 1 litre, 3-cylinder 50kW/90NmTransmission: 5-speed manual (4-speed auto option)Fuel: 4.7l/100km; CO2 110g/kmDimensions: 3500mm (L), 1600mm (W), 1470mm (H), 2360mm (WB)Safety: 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBDWarranty: 3-year/100,000kmResale: 50.9%Green rating: 5 starsFeatures: 14-inch steel wheels, A/C, aux input, full-size steel spare, front power windowsBARINA SPARK CDPrice: $12,490Body: 5-door hatchbackEngine: 1.2 litre, 4-cylinder 59kW/107NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel: 5.6l/100km; CO2 128g/kmDimensions: 3593mm (L), 1597mm (W), 1522mm (H), 2375mm (WB)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, TCSWarranty: 3 year/100,000kmResale: 52.8%Green rating: 5 starsFeatures: 14-inch alloy wheels, front power windows, A/C, USB & Aux audio input, auto headlights off, optional full-size spareCHERY J1Price: $11,990Body: 5-door hatchbackEngine: 1.3 litre, 4-cylinder 62kW/122NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel: 6.7l/100km; CO2 159g/kmDimensions: 3700mm (L), 1578 (W), 1564 (H), 2390 (WB)Safety: ABS, EBD, ESP, dual front airbagsWarranty: 3 yr/100,000kmResale: 49.2%Green rating: 4 starsFeatures: 14-inch alloys, full-size steel spare, A/C, 4 power windows and mirrorsNISSAN MICRA STPrice: $12,990Body: 5-door hatchbackEngine: 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder 56Kw/100nmTransmission: 5-speed manual (four-speed auto option)Fuel: 5.9l/100km; CO2 138g/kmDimensions: 3780mm (L,) 1665mm (W), 1525mm (H), 2435mm (WB)Safety: 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBDWarranty: 3 year/100,000km, 3-year 24-hr roadside assistResale: 50.8%Green rating: 5 starsFeatures: Bluetooth, A/C, 14-inch steel wheels, full-size steel spare, aux in, front power windowsPROTON S16 GPrice: $11,990Body: 4-door sedanEngine: 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder 82kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel: 6.3l/100km; CO2 148g/kmDimensions: 4257mm (L) 1680mm (W) 1502mm (H), 2465mm (WB)Safety: Driver's airbag, ESC,Warranty: three year, unlimited km, 24-hour roadside assistResale: 50.9%Green rating: 4 starsFeatures: 13-inch steel wheels, full-size steel spare, A/C, remote central locking, front power windowsUSED CAR OPTIONSTHERE are a number of options to an all-new light car if shopping for something secondhand and sensible.Among these, Glass' Guide lists manual versions of Honda's 2003 Civic Vi five-door hatchback at $12,200, the 2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent sedan at $12,990 and Mazda's 2004 Mazda 3 Neo (sedan or hatch) at $12,400.The Civic impressed at the time with good interior space and comfort, reliable reputation and a long list of gear including dual airbags, ABS plus power windows and mirrors.The Mazda3 range was an instant hit with critics and consumers, bringing style back to the marque. The Neo's standard gear included air-conditioning, dual airbags, CD player plus remote central locking. Toyota's Corolla has long been a safe and solid performer in the small to compact class; 2005 versions arrived with dual airbags, air conditioning, ABS and proven reliability.