New Nissan Micra vs Renault Clio vs Skoda Fabia
The first few Micras were a huge success, but it’s all gone a bit wayward in recent years. Now Nissan has started afresh, can this new car take on its main rivals?...
Our verdict
The Nissan Micra deserves credit for offering an abundance of modern, active safety aids as standard. These gadgets reduce your chances of having an accident, a point reflected in the Micra’s low insurance premiums. Unfortunately, the rest of the car is a little underwhelming.
We choose that word carefully, because it certainly isn’t a bad car and is infinitely better than the outgoing model – it just fails to shine in enough areas. It doesn’t stand out for ride or handling, rear passenger space is poor, it’s quite pricey to buy and yet will almost certainly cost you the most to own. Annoyingly, it also misses out on kit such as a DAB radio. Even areas in which it should really excel, such as interior quality, are let down by cost-cutting on key touch points.
The Renault Clio takes second place, because it’s easily the most fun to drive and has lots of standard kit, including sat-nav and keyless start. A recent mid-life makeover has improved the quality of its interior, too, even if it’s still a way off the class best. However, limited modern safety kit, a fairly feeble engine and an outdated infotainment system stop it challenging for the win.
So, the Skoda Fabia. Granted, it’s not the most daring piece of design, inside or out, but as a package it’s quite remarkable. It’s the cheapest to buy and run, yet is still reasonably kitted out, including the important safety features. It has the best ride, which along with its eager engine makes it least stressful to drive in or out of town. It’s also the most practical, so is easily the most well-rounded car of our three.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
1st – Skoda Fabia
For Best ride and handling balance; spacious; cheapest to buy and own
Against Bland interior; worst fuel economy; most vocal engine
Verdict An easy winner. Has few weaknesses and many strengths
Rated 5 out of 5
2nd – Renault Clio
For Sweetest handling; stylish looks; well equipped
Against Slowest; fiddly infotainment; low-rent interior
Verdict Sharp looks, and the most fun for keen drivers
Rated 4 out of 5
3rd – Nissan Micra
For Smart interior; excellent safety kit; peppy engine
Against Clattery engine; small boot; crashy ride
Verdict Par for the course in this hotly contested class
Rated 3 out of 5
Specifications: Nissan Micra 0.9 IG-T 90 Acenta
Engine size 0.9-litre, petrol, turbo
List price £14,995
Target Price £14,995
Power 89bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque 103lb ft @ 2250rpm
0-60mph 11.0sec
Top speed 109mph
Gov't fuel economy 64.2mpg
True MPG 45.3mpg
CO2 emissions 99g/km
Renault Clio 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique Nav
Engine size 0.9-litre, petrol, turbo
List price £15,015
Target Price £13,850
Power 89bhp @ 5000rpm
Torque 103lb ft @ 2500rpm
0-60mph 12.4sec
Top speed 112mph
Gov't fuel economy 67.3mpg
True MPG 43.5mpg
CO2 emissions 94g/km
Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 SE
Engine size 1.2-litre, petrol, turbo
List price £14,005
Target Price £12,769
Power 89bhp @ 4400-5400rpm
Torque 118lb ft @ 1400-3500rpm
0-60mph 10.9sec
Top speed 113mph
Gov't fuel economy 60.1mpg
True MPG 42.6mpg
CO2 emissions 107g/km
Read more:
Nissan Micra review
Renault Clio review
Skoda Fabia review
Best family cars 2023
What makes a good family hatchback and which models should you be considering? Here we count down the top 10 family car models – and name the one to avoid
