- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
Nissan Micra Hatchback. 5th generation, 2020 restyling
The Nissan Micra is a subcompact city hatchback produced by Nissan since 1982. Currently, Israeli buyers have a chance to purchase the fifth generation car after the 2020 restyling (as of 2021). The car features a new 1.0-liter engine, CVT and front wheel drive.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2020/2021 Nissan Micra is not the same as that of its predecessors, although it is typical for small city cars: a wedge-shaped front face and a more massive stern. Nissan’s signature “V” chrome-plated radiator grille, narrow slanted headlights and complex lower bumper make the car look adult. In profile, the small car looks just as stylish: a short sloping hood, a long front pillar and a roof form an onion-shaped arc, the middle and rear pillars are massive and made of black plastic. The rear door handles are hidden (unique feature). The taillights have an unusual complex shape, and a small spoiler crowns the top of the fifth door.
Interior
The increased body width and wheelbase have created one of the most spacious interiors in its class. The interior also looks serious and ‘grown-up’, but it is animated by the two-tone design. You immediately notice a steering wheel with the truncated bottom, a huge screen of the Nissan Connect media system and the large dashboard, which is classic, featuring arrow indicators and a compact display of the on-board computer.
The first row seats can be mechanically adjusted, and the rigidity of the filler is partially compensated by the comfortable configuration of the backs, the presence of lateral support and a heating system. The five-seat hatchback status is nominal, since the backseat has enough space only for two adult passengers. The rear seats have a folding armrest and the ability to tilt the backrest. The new Nissan Micra has a trunk compartment increased to 262 liters, the volume of which can be increased by 2.5 times by folding the backseat.
Powertrains and chassis
The restyled model has acquired 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engines created by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which use the internal plasma spraying technology, borrowed from the engine of the Nissan GT-R sports car. The turbochargers are equipped with electric actuators, while the cooling channels have been optimized, and the exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head. The new engines generate 100 hp and 160 Nm of torque, and at the same time they are 0.6-0.7 l/100 km more efficient than the previous ones.
The fifth generation hatchback offers an alternative to the manual transmission. The Xtronic CVT is paired with a 100-hp engine, but the maximum torque in this case is reduced to 144 Nm. The car equipped with the manual transmission accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and develops the maximum speed of 184 km/h, whereas the CVT version can accelerate in 13 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 km/h.
The chassis has a very simple design, featuring the MacPherson strut front suspension and a twist-beam rear suspension. All versions are equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Trim levels and equipment
The new Nissan Micra offers functions that are typical of premium cars, including the around view monitor and active lane keeping assist. For the first time, an intelligent emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring systems are offered.
For entry-level cars, the Safety Pack is still optional, even the automatic braking function, which has already become familiar in Europe, is included in the list of standard equipment only for some trim levels.
The following trim levels are available in Israel:
- Visia (basic) comes with the manual transmission, audio system with 2 speakers, LED running lights, power mirrors and a safety package consisting of 6 airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, stability control system, anti-lock brakes, traction control, adaptive cruise control, and an emergency braking system.
- Acenta comes with both transmissions. It includes: a multimedia system with 4 speakers and a 7-inch color touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multi-wheel with audio control keys, cruise control and a speed limit system; climate control, power glass-mirrors and a safety package similar to the basic version.
- Acenta Plus is a CVT version that offers the same options as the previous version, including 4 speakers and climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rain sensors. It also has a tire pressure monitoring system, stability control system, emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, trajectory control and traffic sign recognition systems.
- N-sport: Among other things, it has a 6-speaker Bose sound system, Alcantara seat covers, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a dimming rearview mirror.
