Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) Review

Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
This generation of Nissan Micra proved to be massive improvement over its predecessor, which made it one of the best small cars of its time.

+Peppy engines. Good quality and comfortable interior. Generous safety equipment.

-Basic models miss out on some handy equipment including air-conditioning. Can’t match the class best for handling.

Insurance Groups are between 1–8
On average it achieves 81% 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 version was a huge improvement. As a result, as a used car it can hold its head high alongside the likes of the big-selling Ford Fiesta and reliable Toyota Yaris. Read on for our full Nissan Micra review.

The looks of this Nissan Micra divide opinion – we have to admit we are not huge fans – but it does at least stand out in the small car sector.

However, where the Nissan Micra appeals is with its easy-to-drive nature, cheap running costs and lots of safety tech as standard.

It was even available with a host of personalisation features, so you could have vibrant interior and exterior details, a variety of different alloy wheel designs, upholstery finishes and even decals or roof stripes.

Just be careful what you take on with a used model so that it suits your taste, and not just your budget.

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 that 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 Nissan Micra makes light work of uneven, potholed British roads. It can’t match the class best (such as the Ford 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 Nissan Micra comes with lane departure warning, lane keep assistance and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection – gizmos that weren’t often standard even on cars from the class above.

Weirdly, though, there was no standard air-conditioning or alloy wheels.

Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar’s Nissan Micra review

Ask Honest John

How can I upgrade my headlights?

"I own a 2019 Nissan Micra. The headlights have always been poor and as my eyesight is not as good nowadays can you recommend a brighter bulb more or less like an LED light? I would appreciate what options I have and at what cost. "
We would recommend Osram Night Breakers or Phillips RacingVision bulb upgrades. If you go for other brands it's vital to make sure they are made for road use and not 'off-road only' as some bulbs sold by well-known motor factors sometimes turn out to be unsuitable for road use.
Answered by David Ross

Nissan Micra discontinued - is it still a good buy?

"I ordered a Nissan Micra in February 2022 (with the aim of downsizing from a Juke) not knowing the Micra has been discontinued. Now the car has arrived, I would really like to know if it is a good/worthwhile purchase or not?"
It's not necessarily a bad purchase - the Micra represents good value for money and is generally a reliable choice. It shares parts with a number of other vehicles (including the latest Renault Clio), so you shouldn't be worried about sourcing parts in the future. We do rate alternatives like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo as better all-rounders, though, while the Honda Jazz is a more versatile choice.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What do you recommend to replace a Volkswagen Golf?

"My in-laws, who are in their 70s and live in rural Scotland, recently had a car crash in which their 2014 Volkswagen Golf was written off. They are now looking for a smaller car than the Golf but one that suits my six foot six father-in-law. The car also needs to be economical and ideally an automatic. So far I've narrowed it down to: Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Kona and the Nissan Micra. "
All of the above are solid choices, although the Hyundai Kona feels very similar in size to a Golf so that's worth bearing in mind. I've not driven the Yaris Cross, but the standard Yaris is an excellent car and I'd expect the Cross to feel very similar. The Yaris I drove got brilliant fuel economy even on long motorway runs up to Scotland, which you'd expect wouldn't favour its hybrid engine. Toyotas use proven parts that are very reliable and they're dealers consistently score highly for customer care. If you do pop down to a Toyota dealer, it might be worth waiting a couple of months for the new Aygo X. It replaces the current Aygo and has mini-SUV looks that should translate into excellent front seat headroom. It's based on the Yaris, but will feel significantly smaller than your in-laws' Golf. The only things that might be an issue is its 72PS engine which feels pretty weedy, although it does suit the optional automatic gearbox. I'm not sure how the Micra would feel for your father in-law, best for him to try it out in person, but from memory it wasn't overly spacious in the front seat. I'd describe it as a grown up small car, though, it's very comfortable and quiet. Another car I would suggest having a look at is the Volkswagen Polo. It's surprisingly big inside, is very easy to drive and is cheap to run. It's available with a 90PS turbocharged engine, which has a handy slug of extra power for driving out of town, but returns 55mpg all day long. I'm always surprised how comfortable it is for a relatively small car. The only problem may be the DSG automatic gearbox that can be jerky during low-speed manoeuvring, it's a little disconcerting if you're not used to it. Hope that helps, we have full reviews of all the car's mentioned, below: Yaris Cross: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/yaris-cross-2021/ Aygo X: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/aygo-x-2022/ Kona: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/hyundai/kona-2017/ Micra: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/nissan/micra-k14-2017/ Polo: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/polo-vi-2017/
Answered by Russell Campbell

What causes windscreen wiper scratches?

"My daughter recently bought a used Micra from a Nissan Dealership. But when using the windscreen wipers for the first time, following a spell of dry weather, she noticed several light scratches on the screen directly in her vision. On contacting the dealership they advised the scratches were due to debris having collected on the wiper rubber due to the dry weather. When used, the "grit" has scratched the glass, they claim. They have declined to consider the matter further by advising she should contact a windscreen repair company if she wants to have the scratches removed. As the windscreen was wet prior to the wipers being activated how probable is it that grit on the blades was the cause? My daughter has owned the car for less than a month and has driven less than 100 miles. "
When the weather is warm and dry, grit and dirt can easily build up on the windscreen and under the wiper blades. If your daughter used the wipers for the first time without any washer fluid then it's possible this dirt and grit has become trapped between the wiper and glass, scratching the windscreen. The dealer's reaction is disappointing. But I'm not sure how your daughter can hold the seller liable. The dealer will reasonably argue that the damage occurred after the sale and it will be very difficult to counter this argument without any evidence. You could attempt to fix the scratch yourself. There are various scratch repair kits online - some of our readers claim using toothpaste followed by polishing the area is a great DIY fix - but we've not tested anything to repair fine windscreen scratches before. In fact, trying to polish the scratches out could make it a bigger issue.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Nissan Micra (2017 – 2022) cost?