Nissan Micra Acenta

THE Nissan Micra received a facelift in 2019 and sleeker and more sporty styling widens its appeal, especially to younger buyers.

There is also a revised engine line-up delivering improved performance and economy and helping  the Micra take on rivals such as the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.

Priced from €16,566 (£14,100), the Micra comes as a five-door hatchback but with coupe look thanks to neatly disguised rear door handles.

There are petrol and turbo-petrol engines with various power outputs and most models come with a standard five-speed manual gearbox, though CVT auto transmission is available on some models.

The test model is a mid-range Acenta version priced from €18,011 (£15,330) with a 1.0-litre 99 hp turbo-petrol engine and manual gearbox. The top speed is 183 kph (114 mph), the 0-100 kph time 10.9 seconds and average fuel economy 17.8 kpl (50.4 mpg). Emissions are low at 103 g/km.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, cruise control, digital radio, Bluetooth, smartphone integration,USB socket, auto-emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

The Micra’s styling provides visual cachet and the cabin is a pleasant place to be, with a user-friendly dashboard, clear dials and well-placed switches. Good-quality trim materials add to the cabin ambience and good seat and steering wheel adjustments enable the driver to find a comfortable position.

Front occupants get plenty of space, but the rear seats are a little cramped for taller passengers due to the low roof line. Boot space at 300 litres is among best in class and can be expanded to just over 1,000 litres by folding the rear seats, earning the Micra top marks for practicality.

In road use, the Micra handles well, with light precise steering and a  light clutch action. It handles corners with composure thanks in part to a suspension set-up which is a little more firm than most of its rivals.

The hatchback sector is highly competitive, but the latest Micra now has a much stronger presence which gives it a more formidable edge and enhances its appeal to a wider age group.

Facts at a glance

•   Model: Nissan Micra Acenta
•   Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
•   Transmission: 5-speed manual
•   Performance: 0-100 kph 10.9 seconds, top speed 183 kph (114 mph)
•   Economy: 17.8 kpl (50.4 mpg)
•   Emissions: 103 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.