The Nissan Micra is a supermini that was released in 1982. Succeeding the Nissan Cherry, it’s still in production today and has gone by different names depending on where it is being sold. In Latin America, for instance, it is known as the Nissan March. The fourth-generation Micra came out in 2010 was based off the Type-V platform fitted with a 1.2-litre HR12DE engine. Though small, the Micra is a very safe car, scoring well in EuroNCAP tests with four stars overall. Towards the end of May in 2011, Nissan has sold more than six million units of the Micra.

Pros

Because it’s a small car, many find it hard to take the Nissan Micra seriously. But make no mistake about it—the Micra is serious car. In fact, it was once the European Car of the Year so that should give you a hint as to how well-made this supermini is. For starters, it’s sold in 160 countries in the world. Different standards are in place in different parts of the globe so Nissan makes it possible for the Micra to be suitable in all by adapting the car to address the market where it will be sold. As such, you can be assured that the Micra you’re going to get will definitely be a perfect fit for you.

Due to its size, it’s safe to say that spaciousness is expected to be not generous. Surprisingly, the Micra is adequate despite being compact, boasting of more shoulder room than what its older brothers were capable off. Boot space is also competitive for a supermini, while a large glass area with a low window line makes the cabin appear airy.

The Micra is meant for easy driving, which is something that many will appreciate. It’s got a three-cylinder engine and controls are designed to complement what it’s capable of under the hood. Many buyers will be eyeing the Micra as their first so its simplicity will be attractive. It’s not going to leave anyone in their dust but it’s definitely capable of bringing you from point to point without trouble. It’s going to be able to keep up well with city driving and offer decent enough of a ride when road conditions become more demanding.

Cons

The Nissan Micra is not ugly but it can be quite plain. Actually, it does away with flair so you can say you’re just getting the basics. These basics work for the most part, but if you’re looking for a striking car design-wise, the Micra’s not going to be in your radar.

It does well within city limits but when the Micra is pushed to go at higher speeds, you’re going to feel a handful of nuisances. First, there’s noise. While you’ve reconciled with the fact that it’s not a very refined car, you still won’t be able to ignore the noise easily. Second, while it can move fairly decent at higher speeds, there are other superminis that are more capable than it, maintaining more stable performances at all speeds. They’re also cheaper than the Micra too so that should be a consideration if you need to work with a budget.

                The Japanese multinational automaker, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, created the Nissan Micra, which is a supermini that began production in the year 1982. This was also known as Nissan March for the Latin American and Asian market, and it is also called Datsun Micra.

                The first generation Micra was produced in October 1982 as a three door hatchback, a five door hatchback, and a three door panel van. This version is available as a five speed manual and a three speed automatic, and it was assembled in Oppama, Japan. The first generation Micra or the Micra K10 was created as a competitor of the Honda City which was the successful car model at that time, and it was also created to replace the Nissan Cherry in the supermini category.

The K10 remained in the market for a decade, and it was in 1992 that the second generation Nissan Micra was produced. The Micra K11 was assembled in Japan, Taiwan, and in the United Kingdom and is available as a four speed automatic, a five speed manual, and a CVT automatic. This was named as the European Car of the Year in 1993 and won the Good Design Award in Japan.

The third generation Micra, called the Micra K12, was produced from 2002 until 2010, and it is assembled in Japan and UK. The current version of the car is the fourth generation or the Nissan Micra K13, and is assembled in several countries including India, Indonesia, Mexico, China, and Thailand. This is a five door hatchback that was shown at the Geneva Motor Show.