• Wilsons Test Drive All New Nissan Micra
  • Wilsons Test Drive All New Nissan Micra 2

Wilsons Test Drive All New Nissan Micra

The 5th Generation Nissan Micra has been sitting in our showroom for a couple of weeks now, so we decided that it was about time to take it out on a little test drive of our own to see how it handled the local city roads.​​

Getting Started

Obviously, the first thing you have to do when you get into any new car is to adjust everything to suit your driving position.​ With electrically adjustable door mirrors as standard, finding the right position was easy. The controls are located on the driver's door next to the buttons for the electric windows. The position of the slider indicates which mirror you are operating using the D-pad to move the mirror into the perfect position. The new Micra also has a height adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat to make sure that you can find a comfortable driving position.

The version that we tested was the top-of-the-range Tekna with Nissan Intelligent Key and start push button meaning that we didn't need to press a button on the key to open the car, we just pressed the 'Request Switch' on the door while carrying the key. Once inside the car, we also didn't need to insert the key anywhere, the engine was able to start by pressing in the clutch and pushing the engine start button.

The Drive

The route we decided to take was just a short 5 mile round trip from our Nissan dealership to Epsom Downs which incorporated an industrial estate, a high street (with ongoing roadworks), narrow residential roads and stretches of higher speed, traffic-free roads.

Starting out from the car park, the first thing we encountered was an industrial estate which had patches of narrow roads as a result of HGVs passing or being parked up at the side of the road. Despite its strong stance on the road, the new Micra is still a slim hatchback that was comfortably able to slip by any passing traffic.

Next was the notoriously busy high street made even busier thanks to two separate sets of roadworks. In some cars this might have been an issue, however, our test Micra had a Start/Stop engine meaning that sitting in traffic caused by roadworks wasn't a problem. Putting the car in neutral when we were stopped turned the engine off and it automatically started again when the clutch was pressed in again.

When we eventually made it through the high street we were able to stretch the new Micra out a little bit on higher speed roads. The intuitive 5" Advanced Drive Assist Display notified us when we needed to change gear so that we were driving as fuel efficiently as possible and the IG-T 90 petrol engine provided plenty ​of acceleration power​ away from traffic lights. At both low and high speeds, the new Micra provided a quiet and comfortable driving experience with all the necessary functions in easy to reach places. For example, tuning the radio and changing the volume can all be done via the steering wheel mounted controls so you don't have to spend time fumbling with the touchscreen while driving.

Before reaching our destination at the Downs, we had to negotiate narrow residential roads with parked cars on either side, making the road wide enough for only one car at a time. This did not present a problem for the new Micra which has very agile and responsive handling. Although it was slightly odd to begin with, the D-shaped wheel was easy to grip and didn't take long to become accustomed with.

Parking

If parking is the bane of your driving life​, then you would definitely benefit from all of the helpful technology available on the new Micra. It has rear parking sensors to help you judge distances while reversing as well as an intelligent rear view camera that pops up on the 7" touchscreen as soon as you put the car in reverse. The most impressive feature has to be the Around View Monitor which gives a birdseye view of the car so that you can see any objects, obstructions or people in the immediate surrounding area. While we didn't test it in a car park, this technology would definitely come in handy in the local supermarket where you have to dodge other shoppers and abandoned trolleys.

Verdict

Personally, I have been dying to get behind the wheel of the new Micra since it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. I was never really attracted to any of the old styles, but this one has been on my radar for some months now. To be honest, it did not disappoint when I sat behind the wheel. It is full of modern technology to help make driving easier, safer and more enjoyable as well as continuing the attractive exterior inside. The drive itself was smooth, responsive and comfortable and I would jump at the chance to drive it again.

  • Wilsons Test Drive All New Nissan Micra
Transport For London

Cars need to meet minimum emission standards when travelling in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the daily charge must be paid.

Minimum emission standards

Petrol: Euro 4
Diesel: Euro 6

The ULEZ will be enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the age. However:

Information from Transport For London

Check this car on the TFL website before purchasing: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

All our vehicles are subject to an Admin Fee. Our Admin Fee covers any additional administration needed during your transaction, including a thorough provenance check (HPI Check). The admin fee also includes the cost to fully valet, register and, if necessary, MOT your vehicle (if less than 6 months left of current MOT).

Our administration fee is a variable fee which covers the additional administration needed when transacting with different categories of customers as specified. Retail Customers £199.00 - (Private buyers - NOT an owner, partner or director of a new/used vehicle sales company). Retail Customers using a finance broker outside our official panel of lenders paying funds direct to Wilsons Epsom - £399.00. All fees are inclusive of VAT.