Excellent small family allrounder: Roy Lewis's verdict on the Nissan Micra Acenta (From Hereford Times)

Excellent small family allrounder: Roy Lewis's verdict on the Nissan Micra Acenta

8:30am Saturday 9th July 2011 in Road Tests

NISSAN’S Micra is still one of the cutest motors in the small-car class and during its long sales run has had just about every nut and bolt thoroughly tested to ensure it comes with outstanding reliability and low ownership costs.

So it remains a cracking supermini, despite the introduction of new entries into this highly-competitive sector which arguably have more flair.

But people love the car because it is a whole lot of fun. And the latest model is better than ever, being based on an all-new lightweight platform with new exterior and interior design.

The well-built car has a smooth 1.2-litre petrol engine with cheap running costs which will keep the small family happy and safe.

The giant Nissan company now favours the three-cylinder unit and five-door hatch form as the package offers an excellent combination of practicality and performance with economy.

For instance, the maximum speed is 106mph and the combined fuel consumption is 56.5mpg, with over 60mpg available with a steady right foot. And with CO2 emissions at only 115 there is a further saving as road tax is a nominal £30 a year.

Some motorists might not favour the three-cylinder unit but a short drive should convince them that it is a far smoother operator nowadays and drives very much like a four-cylinder.

The 79bhp motor seems to punch well above its weight with decent acceleration for overtaking manoeuvres, though to squeeze out the top performance can sometimes mean a swift change down with the five-speed manual gearbox. The 0-62mph sprint time of 13.7 seconds shows it is no slouch off the mark.

The car is ideal for regular urban use. It is easy to park and its light steering helps the driver to zip in and out of the traffic with ease and enjoy the drive. The driving position is also very good with plenty of adjustments so that even tall drivers can get comfortable.

The motor remains fairly quiet and the ride is on the firm side but stays comfortable over most surfaces.

On the open road the Micra drives like a bigger machine. It handles well with its agile chassis and stiffer body helping to maintain good composure, particularly on twisty routes.

Nissan has kept the Micra fresh with new styling and equipment to give the car wider appeal. It has a roomy cabin and decent space in the rear for two average-sized adults to travel in comfort while the boot is reasonably roomy.

There are three specifications – Visia, Acenta and Tekna – with impressive equipments lists and with prices go from £9,250 to £12,350 (on the road). There is also the option of an efficient CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The mid-range Acenta is a popular choice and probably the best value car. This trim offers plenty of technology, including climate control, cruise control, speed limiter, Bluetooth phone integration and an AUX socket for MP3 players.

Safety and security is also tops with driver and passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS with brake assist and EBD, an electronic stability programme, remote central locking and engine immobiliser.

AT-A-GLANCE

Nissan Micra Acenta 1.2-litre manual.

Price: £10,850 (on the road).

Top speed: 106mph.

0-62mph: 13.7 seconds.

Fuel: 56.5mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 106.

Verdict: Excellent small family allrounder, affordable to buy and run, well equipped, quality build, proven reliability, fresh exterior and interior design.