"Universally hated" isn't exactly right, but "polarizing" definitely is. The Mitsu has been mocked more than any car I've read about in the traditional "gearhead/enthusiast" media in the U.S. & U.K., yet it's been named "best car" in its class in Australia and elsewhere. Being "cheap to run" rather than "fun to drive" instantly dooms it in the eyes of most auto journalists. (Just as the Micra's stablemate, the "cheap to own" Versa sedan usually gets negative comments from the U.S. media.)

It definitely can't touch the Micra in terms of fun to drive (or looks).

here in vancouver, i rarely see the micras. i dunno why?
I would be very interested in knowing the sales by province.