Nissan Micra review

While there are some temptingly cheap trim levels in the Micra line-up, the ones you’ll actually want are expensive next to an equivalent Skoda Fabia. The Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa are also likely to cost less if you’re buying on finance.

The Micra is also expected to lose its value quicker than the best small cars, as well as being more expensive to service.

Entry-level Visia trim comes with automatic windscreen wipers, front electric windows and a 12-volt socket in the front, but you have to upgrade to Visia+ to get air conditioning or an engine stop/start system.

The mid-spec Acenta is our favourite, because it adds the touchscreen infotainment system, alloy wheels and cruise control, plus the option to add packs including the Vision Pack and Bose Audio Pack. 

By contrast, N-Sport, N-Connecta and Tekna are too expensive, despite coming with a long list of kit that includes sat-nav, electrically folding door mirrors and tinted rear windows.

While there’s no specific reliability data available for the Micra, Nissan as a manufacturer finished a very disappointing 27th place out of 31 manufacturers in our 2018 What Car? Reliability Survey. All Micras come with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty that can be extended for up to three additional years if you’re willing to pay extra.

Every Micra comes with an impressive list of standard safety equipment that includes front, side and window airbags, a lane departure warning system and an automatic emergency braking system that should stop you from running into pedestrians or another car.

Safety body Euro NCAP gave the Micra four stars after testing in 2017. It scored well for both adult and child occupant protection but lost a star due to poor pedestrian and safety assist scores. The Polo and Fiesta were awarded the full five-star rating, helped by better scores for their safety assistance systems.

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