There's this:
"It’s more like a budget hot hatch without power or aggression."
The term that knowledgeable automobile journalists use to describe a car like the Micra is "Warm hatch." Timothy Cain can be forgiven though, seeing as this is a term more often used by journalists in markets where vehicles like the Micra are the norm rather than the exception.
Thing is, a small car like the Micra doesn't need a ton of power or aggression to be fun; relative to its size, the 1.6L motor is a beast, and relative to the next class up, it does more than hold its own. I enjoy the fact that I can drive it spiritedly and blow through speed traps without drawing any undue attention.
I do think GM did an exceptional job on the interior of the Spark. So exceptional, in fact, that it has become this car's only redeeming quality, to the point of distraction. Everything I read about this car is that it's for the iPhone generation, so when you're sitting in traffic, you can distract yourself with your phone. Fact of the matter is, the Spark is still a penalty box car.
The Micra isn't lacking anything in the info-tainment department (who needs more than a line in, USB MP3, AM/FM/CD, and Bluetooth?) I have the backup camera, but I don't really think it's necessary. I do wish we had that bin in front of the cup holders, that small shelf along the dash, and I really appreciate the flip and fold seats. I think the Micra should tell us the tire pressure, outside temperature, and when to change the oil. I like how the high end Spark has real premium options like a sunroof and a more polished interior. Finally, the Micra really should also have a CVT option like the Spark. In fact, I might even consider the Spark, except for the fact that I need something that's fun to drive. I need to be able to take corners at speed without needing to touch the brake pedal. I need single digit 0-60 times. I want the cake of low purchase price, decent fuel economy, roomy interior with a small, very maneuverable size, and options like cruise, air, Bluetooth, and MP3, but I want to be able to eat that cake too by enjoying the cheap go-kart thrills that, currently, only the Micra offers.
Last edited by AlphaMicra; 09-01-2016 at 05:24 PM.
In our culture obsessed with absurd excess, the Nissan Micra is my counterculture car of choice.
Be sure to visit my blog at
mymicra.com!
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View my fuel log 2015 Micra SV manual: 6.4 L/100 km ... 44.3 mpg (Imp) ... 15.7 km/L ... 36.9 mpg (US) ...