A few days ago we reported on the price of the new Nissan Micra range. You can find the prices and specs by clicking here.

At the very end of last week we got the chance to slide behind the wheel for a first drive of the new model in a cold and blustery Cape.

A stylish prospect

The new Micra’s appearance really is a quantum leap forward. Rakish lines are a marked departure from its bulbous predecessor. This alone, I think, will make the Micra a consideration for style-conscious buyers shopping at this end of the market.

VW’s Polo, while new, is quite conservative and generic in its appearance. Ford’s latest Fiesta has smoothed out all sharp lines of the older car. On our drive, the new Micra drew lots of admiring glances. Despite the quite different appearance, it is somehow instantly recognisable as a Nissan.

Comfy and well-equipped

The cars we drove on the launch were all mid-spec Accent models. Two-tone cloth upholstery lifts the interior ambience. An adjustable steering column and front seat made it easy for my co-pilot and I, both quite different in size, could easily tailor our driving position.

A seven-inch touchscreen colour display, standard on the Acenta and Acenta+, features Apple CarPlay functionality as well as MP3, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Air-conditioning is standard across all models, though not necessary in the middle of a Cape rain storm.

High-tech motor

Nissan has borrowed engine technology from elsewhere in the Nissan-Renault family. The 0,9-litre motor develops peak power of 66 kW and 140 N.m of maximum torque.

The engine hardly feels turbocharged with no trace of lag. The only hint of its small, three-cylinder nature is the characteristic inline triple soundtrack. Overtaking requires an additional downshift as the lack of torque can catch you out if you want to make a quick and safe pass. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a slick-shifting, five-speed transmission.

Easy going

On the national road out of Cape Town, the Micra felt surefooted while fighting massive winds on the day. We couldn’t exploit any of the new model’s dynamic repertoire as wet conditions and closed mountain passes restricted us to motorways.

We did experience an easy going ride quality that compares easily with the best in class.

Summary

The outgoing Nissan Micra had gained a reputation as rental car special. It was an old model that had been outclassed by the latest offerings from rivals Ford, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

This, all-new, Micra has really lifted the product to a new level and makes it a proper alternative to the likes of the segment leaders, Fiesta and Polo. Not for while has anyone been able to say that about the entry-level Nissan, but this latest version really is that good.