Nissan Micra Review 2026

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Nissan Micra Verdict

3/5

+Huge improvement over previous Micra. Good quality and comfortable interior. Generous safety equipment.

-Basic models miss out on some handy equipment including air conditioning. Can be pricey with options boxes ticked. Can't match the class best for handling.

Find out more about the Nissan Micra

New prices start from £11,995
Insurance Groups are between 1–8
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure

The Nissan Micra used to be the mainstay of learners, new drivers and thrifty motorists. But then Nissan made a mess of it with the dull 2010 model. Fortunately, the 2017 model is a huge improvement in all areas.

The looks divide opinion - we're not huge fans we must say - but it does at least stand out. However, where the Micra appeal is with its easy to drive nature, cheap running costs and lots of safety tech as standard.

It’s even available with a host of personalisation features, so you can get vibrant interior and exterior details, a variety of different alloy wheel designs, upholstery finishes and even decals or roof stripes. But if you fancy any of that stuff, prepare to pay for it – the Micra isn’t cheap if you start ticking boxes.

Originally, there were three engines – a basic, old-fashioned 1.0-litre petrol with 75PS, a 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol with 90PS and a 1.5 dCi diesel, also with 90PS. Of these the 0.9 is probably the best choice, since it’s punchy, responsive and fairly economical.

In 2019, a 1.0-litre IG-T 100PS petrol was introduced, available with a five-speed manual or a new CVT automatic, what Nissan calls 'Xtronic'. A 'warm hatch' was launched with a 117PS 1.0-litre DIG-T engine.

All the final suspension and steering development was undertaken in the UK and the Micra makes light work of uneven, potholed British roads. It can't match the class best (like the Fiesta) for handling, but it's composed nonetheless.

The cabin is nicely finished, with a neat layout and some plush material choices, plus it’s fairly practical. The back row is big enough for adults at a push, while the boot is a decent size and shape. There is a high load lip – but that’s only an issue with bulky, heavy items.

Even the most basic Micra comes with lane departure warning, lane keep assistance and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection – gizmos that aren’t often standard even on cars from the class above. Weirdly, though, there is no standard air conditioning or alloy wheels.

Prices start low compared to a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, but entry-level cars are very basic with steel wheels and no air con. While it can't match the Fiesta for handling or quality, it's a good alternative to the Corsa and a very easy car to live with.

Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Nissan Micra review

Nissan Micra handling and engines

The final stages of development for this generation of Nissan Micra were undertaken in the UK and that shows in the way it drives. The steering is nicely weighted and the suspension does a good job of balancing comfortable ride quality with predictable handling, even on lumpy and uneven roads.

This handling is helped by a system rather grandly named Intelligent Trace Control. This gently brakes the inside wheels in a corner to help tighten up the line in a very subtle but useful way, making the Micra surprisngly agile on a twisting road.

While it's capable, it's not in the same league as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, but it’s still very enjoyable especially with one of three-cylinder petrols under the bonnet. It’s responsive from low engine speeds, so gives enough punch for overtaking, but it’s also economical with an official economy figure of more than 60mpg.

There’s a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. This produces 90PS, but it makes more torque and is quieter, so works well on the motorway – but the 0.9 isn’t bad for cruising either.. There’s also an entry-level 1.0-litre petrol with 75PS, which is more suitable for drivers who spend the majority of their time around town and will prove very cheap to insure. All three come with a five-speed manual transmission.

In early 2019 two new engines were added to the Micra range. Both are three-cylinder 1.0-litre units, but Nissan assures us they are two different engines.

The first is the 1.0-litre IG-T with 100PS is more than adequate for everyday driving but the real appeal is that it's available with an automatic - the first time this Micra has. The CVT features 'steps' to give a passable impression of a seven-speed torque converter. It's very pleasant and fuss free.

Alongside that is another three-cylinder 1.0-litre but this one is badged DIG-T and has 117PS. It's feels far more sprightly than the IG-T with good mid-range pulling power helped by 180Nm of torque. It has a decent turn of speed too and although not as impressive as the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost 125, is very good performer nonetheless.

Choose this engine and regardless of trim, it comes with a 10mm lower ride height, revised suspension tuning and a quicker steering rack. Sadly the results don't quite work and rather than the comfortable nature of the Micra we like, it changes to a firm riding hatch with busy suspension that doesn't seem to settle down. 

You can get this engine in the N-Sport trim, making it a warm hatch to rival the likes of the Fiesta ST-Line and SEAT Ibiza FR. It gets a few exterior extras such as a carbon-style finish on the alloy wheels and door mirror caps. 

One feature that really sets the Micra apart from its rivals is the inclusion of lane keep assistance, lane departure warning and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard. These technologies are typically only found in bigger cars and provide useful safety benefits, but also reduce the cost of insurance.

There are some extra safety and convenience technologies that aren’t standard, too, including a birds-eye camera that gives a clear around view of the car to make parking effortlessly easy. It’s definitely worth considering, because the rearward visibility isn’t great.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
0.9 IG-T 61–64 mpg 11.8–12.1 s 99–129 g/km
0.9 IG-T Automatic - 13.0 s 140–145 g/km
1.0 61 mpg - 110–121 g/km
1.0 DIG-T - - 114–115 g/km
1.0 IG-T - 10.9 s 103–105 g/km
1.0 IG-T Automatic - 13.0 s 112–113 g/km
1.5 dCi 90 76–88 mpg 11.9 s 85–92 g/km

Real MPG average for the Nissan Micra

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

78%

Real MPG

35–85 mpg

MPGs submitted

37

Nissan Micra interior

Dimensions
Length 3999 mm
Width 1743–1935 mm
Height 1455 mm
Wheelbase 2525 mm

Full specifications

Inside, the Micra is nicely finished, with a comfortable and good quality feel. There are lots of optional colours and inlay details too, so if you want to liven up the dashboard with textured blue rubber or orange leather then you can – but you’ll have to pay.

Space is fine up front, with a decent amount of elbow room and plenty of adjustment in the driving position, along with cubby holes for storing small items. The rear row is less impressive, with a sloping roofline impeding hat room – but there’s enough space for short trips or smaller occupants.

The boot is practical, with a decent 300 litres of capacity. More than enough for a weekly shop or a weekend away, but there is a load lip to lift bulky items over and the rear seat backs don’t fold flush with the boot floor. With the rear seats down, capacity is 1004 litres.

Aside from the handy safety gadgets, basic Micra Visia models come with Bluetooth connectivity and not much more. You’ll need Visia+ if you want air conditioning or an Acenta to get alloy wheels and a touchscreen system. Thankfully it’s a good one, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Picking an Acenta model or higher model also unlocks a variety of optional extras including personalisation packs and upgraded Bose audio. Just be aware that any paint colour, except for a miserable sort of off-beige called Ivory, costs extra.

Standard Equipment:

Visia grade comes with 15-inch' Steel wheels, front fog lights, Audio system with 2 front speakers, Bluetooth compatible audio, 6 airbags, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian detection

Visia+ cars add air-conditioning and Stop/Start Technology

Acenta grade adds 16-inch steels/covers with free option of 16-inch alloys, body-coloured door mirrors and  door handles, advanced drive assist display, 7” touch-screen display audio with four speakers, cruise control, two-tone upholstery, App integration and Apple Carplay

N-Connecta cars come with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric folding heated door mirrors, privacy glass, leather steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning and the NissanConnect 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system

Tekna grade adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key with engine start button, rear view camera with rear parking sensors and a BOSE Personal audio system with six speakers

Nissan Micra models and specs

Dimensions
Length 3999 mm
Width 1743–1935 mm
Height 1455 mm
Wheelbase 2525 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1024–1113 kg
Boot Space 300–956 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 12000–18000 miles
Costs
List Price £11,995–£20,740
Insurance Groups 1–8
Road Tax Bands A–F
Official MPG 61.4–88.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Acenta IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr - - 11.8 s
Acenta IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 13.0 s
N Sport IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr - - 11.8 s
N Sport IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 13.0 s
Tekna IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr - - 11.8 s
Tekna IG-T 92 Xtronic Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 13.0 s
Visia IG-T 92 Start/Stop 5dr - - 11.8 s

On sale until April 2021

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
0.9 Ig-T 90 Bose Personal Edition 5dr £19,290 61.4 mpg 12.1 s
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Acenta 5dr £15,985 64.2 mpg 12.1 s
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Acenta Limited Edition 5dr £14,985 64.2 mpg 12.1 s
0.9 Ig-T 90ps N-Connecta 5dr £17,210 64.2 mpg 12.1 s
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Tekna 5dr £18,510 61.4 mpg 12.1 s
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Visia+ 5dr £14,715 64.2 mpg 12.1 s
1.0 Dig-T 117ps Acenta 5dr - - -
1.0 Dig-T 117ps N-Connecta 5dr - - -
1.0 Dig-T 117ps N-Sport 5dr - - -
1.0 Dig-T 117ps N-Tec 5dr - - -
1.0 Dig-T 117ps Tekna 5dr - - -
1.0 IG 71ps Acenta 5dr £15,095 61.4 mpg -
1.0 IG 71ps Acenta Limited Edition 5dr £14,095 61.4 mpg -
1.0 IG 71ps Visia 5dr £12,875 61.4 mpg -
1.0 IG 71ps Visia+ 5dr £13,825 61.4 mpg -
1.0 Ig-T 100 Acenta Exterior+ Xtronic 5dr - - 13.0 s
1.0 Ig-T 100 Acenta Limited Edition Xtronic 5dr - - -
1.0 Ig-T 100ps Acenta Exterior+ 5dr - - 10.9 s
1.0 Ig-T 100ps Acenta Limited Edition 5dr - - -
1.0 Ig-T 100ps N-Connecta 5dr - - -
1.0 Ig-T 100ps N-Connecta Xtronic 5dr - - -
1.0 Ig-T 100ps N-Sport 5dr - - 10.9 s
1.0 Ig-T 100ps N-Sport Xtronic 5dr - - 13.0 s
1.0 Ig-T 100ps N-Tec 5dr - - -
1.0 Ig-T 100ps N-Tec CVT 5dr - - -
1.0 Ig-T 100ps Tekna Exterior+ 5dr - - 10.9 s
1.0 Ig-T 100ps Visia+ 5dr - - 10.9 s
1.0 Ig-T 100ps Visia+ Xtronic 5dr - - 13.0 s
1.0 Ig-T Tekna Exterior+ Xtronic 5dr - - 13.0 s
1.5 dCi 90ps Acenta 5dr £17,480 88.3 mpg 11.9 s
1.5 dCi 90ps Bose Personal Edition 5dr £20,740 80.7 mpg 11.9 s
1.5 dCi 90ps N-Connecta 5dr £18,705 88.3 mpg 11.9 s
1.5 dCi 90ps Tekna 5dr £20,005 80.7 mpg 11.9 s
1.5 dCi 90ps Visia 5dr £15,300 76.3 mpg 11.9 s
1.5 dCi 90ps Visia+ 5dr £16,210 88.3 mpg 11.9 s

On sale until January 2019

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 71ps Acenta 5dr £14,900 - -
1.0 71ps Acenta Limited Edition 5dr £13,450 61.4 mpg -
1.0 71ps Visia 5dr £12,750 - -
1.0 71ps Visia+ 5dr £13,700 - -

On sale until April 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Acenta 5dr £14,995 64.2 mpg -
0.9 Ig-T 90ps N-Connecta 5dr £15,995 64.2 mpg -
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Tekna 5dr £17,295 61.4 mpg -
0.9 Ig-T 90ps Visia+ 5dr £13,795 64.2 mpg -
1.0 73ps Acenta 5dr £14,145 - -
1.0 73ps Visia 5dr £11,995 - -
1.0 73ps Visia+ 5dr £12,945 - -
1.5 dCi 90ps Acenta 5dr £16,345 88.3 mpg -
1.5 dCi 90ps N-Connecta 5dr £17,345 88.3 mpg -
1.5 dCi 90ps Tekna 5dr £18,645 80.7 mpg -
1.5 dCi 90ps Visia 5dr £14,195 88.3 mpg -
1.5 dCi 90ps Visia+ 5dr £15,145 88.3 mpg -

Model History

September 2016

Nissan Micra unveiled

Designed for Europe, the fifth generation Micra gets a new look with a V-motion grills and hidden rear door handles plus an extended roofline that incorporates a spoiler.

There are 10 exterior colours, including Energy Orange. Additional exterior and interior personalisation options allow for the creation of 125 different variations.

Much attention has been paid to driver comfort, with a lower driving position for a more secure driving feel. It’s easy for all drivers to achieve the perfect driving position thanks to greater seat adjustment, the fully adjustable steering wheel and the optimal positioning of the pedals and shift lever. The car’s extended width and wheelbase means cabin space is among the best in class.

The Micra will come with a 7-inch full colour central display, providing access to the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.

It also features include Active Ride Control for enhanced ride comfort, and Active Trace Control for reduced understeer and sharper handling – combining driver enjoyment and reassurance – innovations only available on Nissan’s Qashqai and X-Trail until now. A new brushless electric power steering system – for greater steering feel and response - is also available.

At launch, the car will offer the choice of a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90PS.The range will be joined soon after by a naturally aspirated 73PS 1.0-litre petrol engine.

December 2016

UK pricing and specification announced

The All New Nissan Micra will be available to UK customers from £11,995 with range-topping Tekna versions starting from £17,295.

There are five grade levels on the New Micra – Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna. At the heart of the range, the IG-T 90 Acenta, expected to be one of the most popular versions, is available for £14,995 and strikes a balance of style, specification and affordability.

At launch, the New Micra was offered with a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90PS. A naturally aspirated 73PS1.0-litre petrol engine will join the range soon after.

Options include keyless entry with engine start/stop button; heated front seats, and a first-of-its-kind Bose sound system with Bose UltraNearfield speakers, combined with Bose PersonalSpace Virtual Audio Technology, built into the driver seat headrest for an immersive listening experience.

There are ten body colours to choose from, including solid, metallic and pearlescent paint options.

Buyers can personalise the Micra with a range of exterior and interior personalisation packs including contrast-colour cabin and body features, leather trim, 17-inch alloys with colour detailing and body decals.

May 2017

Micra now available with 1.0-litre engine

The three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. Official fuel economy is 61.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 103g/km when running on 15 or 16-inch wheels.

The new 1.0-litre 71PS engine joins the 0.9-litre 90PS three-cylinder turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre 90PS four-cylinder diesel, which went on sale earlier this year.

September 2017

Mirca Bose launched

Production is limited to just 600 units in the UK to ensure exclusivity, and key to its customer appeal is the unique-to-Micra Bose Personal audio system. It delivers an immersive 360° sound experience through Bose digital signal processing and six high-performance speakers. These include the two pioneering Bose UltraNearfield speakers built into the driver’s seat head rest.

The Nissan Micra Bose Personal Edition is based on the range-topping Tekna grade. Enigma Black or Echo Grey exterior colours come included in the car’s price, as well as Exterior Ultimate and Interior personalisation packs, both in Energy Orange.

Exterior personalisation includes orange finishers fitted to the front and rear bumper, side mouldings, mirrors caps and 17-inch alloys. The personalised look is finished with high-quality anodised black and orange stickers on the roof and bonnet. Unique BOSE Personal badging on the Micra’s B-pillars marks the car out as a limited edition. LED headlamps round off the premium exterior of the Micra BOSE Personal Edition.

Interior personalisation includes soft-touch, double-stitched Energy Orange inserts on the seats, floor mats and kick plates. A premium arm rest between the front seats has also been added, combining style with comfort.

The Nissan Micra Bose Personal Edition comes with a choice of two engines – the 0.9-litre 90PS three-cylinder downsized turbo petrol, priced from £18,635 OTR (inc. VAT) and the 1.5-litre 90PS turbodiesel, priced from £19,965 OTR (inc. VAT).

January 2019

Nissan N-Tec Edition announced

Available on Micra, Qashqai and X-Trail models, the N-Tec features styling additions and the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility innovations.

Priced from £16,995 and based on the Acenta grade, the Micra N-Tec features sporty 17-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black details, privacy glass and front fog lights. To increase convenience, the NissanConnect infotainment system packages a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as rear parking sensors and rear view camera. Safety technology includes Intelligent Emergency Braking to assist the driver in potential emergency situations.

The N-Tec edition is available to order from this month.

January 2019

New engines added to Nissan Micra range

There is an upgraded and more efficient turbocharged petrol engine, the debut of an Xtronic automatic linked to the same engine plus the arrival of a more powerful 'warm hatch' with lowered ride height, revised suspension and sharper steering.

Nissan has also launched an all-new special version, the Micra N-Sport.

The all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged IG-T petrol delivers 100PS through a five-speed manual transmission and is also available with an Xtronic automatic transmission for the first time. The Xtronic automatic is a CVT unit. It features D-step technology, which according to Nissan 'provides a more refined power delivery and on-road experience for the driver when compared to a conventional.'

The new top of the range model is the 1.0-litre DIG-T 117PS turbocharged petrol engine, linked to a more performance-oriented six-speed manual transmission. It is a completely different 1.0-litre engine. with 180Nm of torque and a 20Nm overboost.

The Nissan Micra N-Sport is a special version for 2019. Nissan says it is positioned in the heart of the 'warm hatch' category occupied by contenders such as the Ford Fiesta ST Line, Polo R-Line, Peugeot 208 GT Line and SEAT Ibiza FR.

It comes with carbon-style finish on the alloy wheels and door mirror caps, gloss black finish on side mouldings / front and rear bumpers, N-Sport badge on the rear, rear privacy glass and halogen front fog lamps. Inside there is an Alcantara / leather interior fabric, white air vents, a front seat arm rest, black headliner, sports-design floor mats, a rear view camera with parking sensors and iKey (remote entry with push-button engine start).

The new Nissan Micra N-Sport is available with all three new engines – the 1.0-litre IG-T 100 PS manual and Xtronic, plus the DIG-T 117 PS manual – as well as the existing 1.5-litre dCi 90 PS diesel. It is available in four distinct body colours – Passion Red, Solid White, Gunmetal Grey and Enigma Black.

November 2020

Updated Nissan Micra priced from £13,995

The updated 2021 Micra maintains the current grade line up of Visia, Acenta, N-Sport and Tekna.

LED headlamps are now standard on both N-Sport and Tekna grades while 17-inch diamond cut alloys are now standard on Tekna, alongside the Intelligent Around View Monitor.

Nissan says the striking N-Sport is designed from the wheels-up to turn heads. On the exterior, the gloss black front, rear and side finishers and black mirror caps perfectly complement the 17-inch black perso alloy wheels. On the N-Sport, fog lamps and headlamps come in full LED as standard. Inside, the N Sport's seats are made with Alcantara inserts while there's a matching dashboard.

The Tekna is packed with in-car entertainment technology and advanced driving features. The brand's Intelligent Around View Monitor camera system, helping drivers negotiate difficult parking scenarios safely and easily, is available with moving object detection and Blind Spot Warning; exclusive to the Tekna grade, it comes installed as standard.

The Tekna also comes with Bose Personal audio including Ultra Nearfield speakers built into the driver’s headrest.

The NissanConnect infotainment system with TomTom navigation is available as an option on Acenta and N-Sport and is standard on Tekna.

Apple CarPlay with Siri voice recognition and Android Auto with Google Assistant are available as standard from Acenta with a host of additional in-car entertainment features.

From Visia grade upwards, Micra is equipped with essential safety technologies, including; Hill Start Assist; Intelligent Ride Control; and Intelligent Trace Control for improved handling in difficult conditions.

Further advanced technologies are offered as standard in the Safety Pack. This includes; High Beam Assist; Intelligent Lane Intervention; Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition.

The 2021 Micra goes on sale in November 2020, starting from £13,995.

February 2022

Nissan Micra Kiiro special edition priced from £18,375

Limited to 250 models in the UK, the Kiiro special edition is based on the Acenta grade. It adds the Vision Pack as standard (with rear parking sensors, navigation, air con and rear electric windows) as well as yellow exterior highlights and gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels.

What to watch out for

19-08-2019:

Report of new Nissan Micra DIG-T 117 stalling when idling. Nissan dealer checked all the earth connections and reprogrammed the ECU, yet the car still keept stalling.

25-08-2019:

Stalling issue of a new Nissan Micra DIG-T 117 (19-8-2019) was resolved by Nissan. There are 3 pipes that supply air to engine. Each of these 3 pipes has a one-way valve. Unfortunately, a batch of these pipes we made by the supplier with one of the one-way valves facing the wrong way. This caused oxygen starvation when the engine was idling. Removing and re-seating the one-way valve the correct way around has solved the problem. Nissan has just issued a technical bulletin to dealers about this. The following link shows a photo of the engine and the offending pipes (But was 'down' when we tried to link): https://mega.nz/#!2MR1kKBB!UyQfUMiT1onqI_d_hUwRz9oYIz0mvR4xJokP4mFZCKw .

13-11-2019:

Report of front suspension problems with 2017 Nissan Mictra K14 bought used independently. Started with a crunching sound from the front in March 2017, dealt with by local Nissan dealer who changed the front suspension bushes and the steering rack. Since then owner has been getting a banging noise in 3 loud bangs in quick succession which can be heard from outside the car and by owner's feet through the floor as she pulls away within the first 2 seconds but not every time (could go for 10 days with no sound.) Nissan dealer has been excellent and has changed both lower arm suspension and the offside drive shaft on the offside to no avail.