The Nissan Micra is now in its fourth generation and it continues to be popular amongst people who enjoy the economy and city driving ease of a small car. It is cheaper than its major rivals which are the Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Fiesta but is it as good?
When the new model was launched in 2010 there was only one engine available.
This is a three cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine and it develops a fairly modest 79 bhp. There are two gear box choices: a continuously variable transmission automatic gearbox (CVT); and a five speed manual gearbox.
As you might anticipate from the spec, this is no fast flyer. The 0 to 62 mph acceleration time is 13.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and, perhaps a little surprisingly, the CVT gearbox version takes 14.5 seconds. Top speed is around 100 mph if you are brave enough.
A new engine was introduced earlier this year. This is a three cylinder 1.2-litre petrol powered direct injection supercharged petrol unit (DIGS) and it has turned out to be quite spritely. It develops 96 bhp, the acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph is reduced to just over 11 seconds, and the top speed is increased to 112 mph.
The new Micra is great at doing what it was designed to do. It is a great city car, it is nippy, and it is easy to park. It is also very economical. As well as being the fastest engine, the DIGS is also the most economical as the fuel consumption is 68.9 mpg.