The fifth-generation Nissan Micra was revealed a few days ago as the 2016 Paris Motor Show was in the midst of its first throws. It certain is a strikingly new overall design over the older model, adopting a lot of the design cues seen in newer Nissans and gaining useful amount of road presence.
“When the first Micra appeared more than 30 years ago, it marked a revolution in the small hatchback segment and opened a new chapter for Nissan. The fifth generation Micra is just as revolutionary, and will raise expectations for what a hatchback can, and should, deliver to its customers,” said Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Nissan Motor Company.
“Following in the wheel tracks of distinctive cars like Qashqai and Juke, the latest Micra reinforces Nissan’s position as a leader in automotive design. It also shows our intent to compete right at the top of Europe’s B-segment market – the largest and most competitive B-segment market in the world.”
The Japanese automaker actually previewed the all-new Micra, or at least what would become the car, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in the form of the Sway concept. That theme has certainly carried over with far more pronounced definitions scattered around its body. One might argue it needs more visual flair to compete with European rivals, at which Nissan say the new Micra is primarily aimed. Barring the shared badge, it has shed any trace of its forerunner, with all new components and drivetrains.
Fact is, though, the new Micra body archives a drag coefficient of just 0.29, which should be a boost in fuel efficiency as bonus to having a more visually pleasing exterior. Additionally, the more pronounced curves help mould the air around the car to provide better noise insulation.
Up front we have the signature V-motion grille that’s surrounded by a gloss black hexagonal frame. These are framed by the rather busy looking front illumination cluster and flows into the curvaceous shoulder line - a details that’s rather emphasised by the ‘Energy Orange’ paint finish that’s not too far off the ‘Blaze Metallic’ of the 2017 Nissan GT-R.
In profile, though, the all-new Micra’s oddly shaped glass house is retained from the Sway concept with the same kink to blacked-out C-pillar - with integrated hidden door handles - to enable the ‘floating roof’ that Nissan claims “creates an airy feeling”. Right.
The Micra’s rear end is characterised by the boomerang-shaped tail lights that have become a commonality with their recent models. A semi-matte trim piece lines the bottom of the car and provides a welcome - if curiously positioned - contrast to the body colour.
Inside, the Micra’s bigger and bolder design carries to the interior trim and layout. Gone are the soft-looking, somewhat dull look of the former car and in comes a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sharply accented colours, less clutter and a generally well-sorted spread of controls and read outs.
The 7-inch infotainment display sits alone in the centre of the dash which can provide access to smartphone connectivity such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with - depending on variant - onboard satellite navigation and audio output via a six-speaker Bose sound system.
Driving and dynamic assist tech have also been lifted from the Qashqai and X-Trail, including Active Ride Control and Active Trace Control to improve ride quality and increase handling sharpness, respectively, working in tandem with the new brushless electric power steering system.
Under the bonnet, Nissan will offer the fifth-generation Micra with a selection of new or substantially revised engines . A 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit will be the mainstream choice, aided by a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre unit and a 1.5-litre diesel.
The 2017 Micra is all but ready for full scale production following its Paris debut, and Nissan plans to begin European sales in March 2017 with other markets following shortly, with at least the majority of units built at the Renault plant in Flins, France.
For more on Nissan vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
