Nissan Micra 2003-2010 | AFFORDABLE HASSLE-FREE option?? | in-depth review
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Jonathan Crouch writes an in-depth Nissan Micra 2003-2010 review. If you want to watch more reviews on vehicles like this Nissan Micra 2003-2010, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our channel and comment what YOU want us to review next.
It's sometimes a little frightening how quickly state of the art becomes state of the ark. Back in 1993 Nissan's Micra wowed the automotive world with its cutesy shape and endearing driving characteristics but within a few years it had been soundly overtaken, soldiering on until it was replaced by an all-new model in 2003. This was similarly well received and for a while the press couldn't get enough of the Micra. Nissan had better not leave it ten years until this model gets replaced, however, as the pace of development has quickened significantly. Although the 2003 model Micra is no longer a front page story, it remains one of the more attractive superminis around. With used examples now becoming more widely available, the Micra represents an affordable way to own a modern and attractive supermini.
History
When it debuted at the 2002 Birmingham Show, few could believe the Micra was a production ready car. The styling was just too reminiscent of a designer's fantasy. Surely when it appeared in showrooms the detailing would be watered down on cost grounds? Fortunately Nissan stuck to their guns and the Micra was as bold as it had first appeared. Four engines were initially available with two body styles - three or five door hatch. The petrol engines comprised a 64bhp 1.0-litre, a 79bhp 1.2, and an 87bhp 1.4-litre unit. There was also a 65bhp 1.5-litre DCi diesel, a unit shared with Renault with a more powerful 82bhp version 1.5-litre DCi following in September 2003. A sporting XS special edition model based on the S with the addition of 15" alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, body coloured electric door mirrors, exclusive dashboard trim and an aluminium gear knob mark appeared in February 2004.
The Micra's first facelift arrived in the summer of 2005. At this time the 1.0-litre entry-level engine was axed and a 108bhp 1.6-litre engine was brought in to power the sporty SR model. The facelifted models are distinguishable from their predecessors by a grille with a longer horizontal silver bar in front of a honeycomb mesh. The grille-mounted indicators have clear lenses, there's a curvier front bumper with rubbing strips and an altered under bumper assembly. Improvements were also made in sound proofing and refinement. Shortly afterwards, the C+C convertible model when on sale.
The Micra's trim levels were given a shake-up in mid 2006. From this time, the models were renamed Initia, Spirita, Activ and Sport. Only one diesel engine was offered - the dCi 86 and the 160SR performance model was shelved in favour of a modest 110bhp SR Sport replacement. The Active Luxury trim level arrived late in 2006 offering upgraded trim materials for fashion-conscious buyers at the top of the range. Substantial price cuts in the spring of 2007 saw the entry-level Initia come down by a massive £1,500 and other derivatives fall by at least £300. This helped bolster the Micra's value proposition against newer and larger supermini rivals but didn't help the residual values of vehicles already sold.
Revisions announced in September 2007 brought a revised chrome grille and wheeled the 160SR's sporty from bumper out to all but the entry-level models. The trim level names were tweaked yet again to Visia, Acenta, Acenta+, Tenka, Active Luxury and 160 SR. All models received an MP3 player connection socket.
Writer - Jonathan Crouch
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