The Nissan Micra is an iconic British brand of small car and has now evolved into its next metamorphosis. I wish to state categorically that I am neither an employee or sponsored in any way by Nissan. As Scotland’s no1 Micra fan boy I felt compelled to write this blog, especially as I have just taken advantage of a Micra lease deal only available during this September in the Uk. I am now the proud owner of a new Stylish fourth generation Limited Edition Micra Ascenta!!
So why choose MIcra? If you’re downsizing from your 4×4 or perhaps you’re looking for a second family car, the new Nissan Micra may just be the ticket. So lets discover why this car is one of the best Japanese All Rounders currently on the market. Some of the Pros of the new 2019 models:
Safety
The most important aspect you could consider in a new car is its safety features, after all, you can get a new car any time but you can’t get a new life. So I’m going to describe some innovative safety features I have discovered on my new Micra journey. The novelty feature of the lane cross over warning system must be my favourite. When you start to cross over the dividing lane, an audible alarm sounds and vibration is sent through the driving wheel, much like the silent warning of a mobile phone. Another cool feature is the anti glare rear view mirror which makes a huge difference when driving at night in congested traffic – you will appreciate no longer having your retinas burned out by other’s headlights. On the AI front, if the car senses a toddler or person behind or in front of the car, an automatic halt action kicks in, however I hope never to experience this life saving feature. The ABS on Nissan cars are second to none. I had recently been travelling back from a business networking event when a dog broke free and ran out in front of me at short range – fortunately the ABS allowed me to do an emergency stop and no one got harmed. The dog, oblivious to the car, continued racing across the road to its favourite play park.
Boot Space
For me priority of a new car is to have a boot large enough to put my dive equipment in. The Ascenta’s boot is visibly larger than the previous Visia 3rd generation Micra. As you can see from the photographs, I can easily fit all my Snorkel Dive bags with more space remaining. There’s also a handy additional boot light which will make managing the boot at night convenient.
Another thing to consider is that the Micra is not only easy to manoeuvre in the city, but can also handle motorways and countryside roads with ease as well. Earlier this year I took my previous Visia to the Outer Hebrides to write a Magazine article about the North Harris Snorkel Trail. In the car I was able to take a passenger, luggage for two, 3 dive bags and my camera kits. The visia handled the steep and dangerous sheep ridden back roads without any problems what so ever which is why I feel that this small car is one of the best all rounders I’ve experienced.
Technology
The only tech I want from a car is to be able to answer important business client calls on the move – as a freelance photographer, some clients who have little time will not give you a second chance of a job if you don’t answer your phone the first time. With the new Ascenta you also have a cool feature called Apple Car Play. This means I can link my phone via USB cable and use my Map apps and watch them on the 7 inch touch display screen. I no longer need to invest in phone holders and have the satisfying convenience of not needing to take my iPhone out its case every time I want to use the maps app. You can also listen to the wireless while using your maps app. I have yet to see what happens when I link my go pro action cam to the system, using the car screen as a giant viewfinder.
Style
For me this is the least important factor when choosing a new car, however the new Micra is noticeably more pleasing to the eye both with its exterior curves and sporty leather clad interiors. I have noticed that heads have been turning in my direction and I’ve even had cars tailing me to get a closer look at this sporty new automobile.
Drive Experience
The Limited Addition Ascenta has a one litre engine which is extremely economical as a super mini should be, with an average of 47.1 mpg, emitting 118g per km of CO2. However despite the compact engine, the car feels like you are driving a much larger German brand. The words ‘smooth’ come to mind whether you are driving the manual or CVT transmission Micra, both of which I have enjoyed testing. Another word I think of is ‘solid.’ You immediately feel this when you close the car door as compared to my previous 3rd generation Visia. The Visia in comparison felt more like a toy car with basic yet functional features. Albeit the Visia still has all the essential safety features to help keep you and the car in one piece.
Dino Leone, Senior Sales Executive at the Halbeath Dunfermline Nissan Showroom explained that Micra customers like myself keep returning. He had even sold a Micra to his sister and mother. Dino told me that Nissan only make cars to order, unlike other brands who have surplus vehicles sitting in fields. Due to public demand, the showroom are finding it hard to source automatic Micras, so as yet, it’s mainly manual cars that are available on the special lease deal. However CVT transmission Micras are currently available as a Mobility Option.
And the Cons?
The new Micra is noticeably larger than the previous incarnations. I found the new micra a little harder to park in between cars as I couldn’t judge the distances very easily. Perhaps in future Micras, Nissan will include the Aerial 360 degrees parking camera which would solve this problem for more petite drivers such as myself.
In Conclusion
Apart from this I have found nothing else I would want to change as the new Micra has totally evolved beyond the pattern of previous generations. As long as a car can get me from A to B – dry and in comfort without breaking down or breaking the bank on the never ending rising petrol prices, the new Micra ticks all the boxes!
So if I’ve now got you ‘Micra Curious’ and would be interested in test driving the new Micra, contact Dino today at Nissan Dunfermline, Tel 01383 321 000 email: dleone@westernnissan.co.uk
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