2009 Nissan Micra Review & Road Test
May 6, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 Nissan Micra City Collection Review & Road Test
Perfect for those hip, single type, city dwelling, label-wearing females
Model Tested:
- 2009 Nissan K12 Micra City Collection, 1.4 litre, automatic, five-door hatch – $17,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic paint $495 (fitted – New York Blue);
Space utilisation; great visibility; economical; simple to drive
Highway feel; child seat anchor locations; instrument panel
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Rose Harris
I don’t think I’m making too much of an over generalisation when I say the Nissan Micra is a chick’s car, and as it so happens that I am the only one on the CarAdvice team that fits such a criteria, it was my duty to put the Micra to the test.
I’m not one to tell lies, so I will admit that I did have my reservations about the Micra. While it is a car directly aimed at the female market, I didn’t feel I was quite the market they had in mind. I have never really been a huge fan of the Beetle-like looks and bug eye headlights.
Despite all that however, I made a concerted effort to put all my preconceived notions aside and as the advertising campaign suggests, I gathered up my girl’s day out companion (my nine-month-old daughter) and we hit the city.
“Cities Love Micra” and it’s true. The small car is well at home zipping through city traffic, swinging into carparks, taking corners and negotiating busy shopping centres. It is quite comfortable for the trips it is designed for and the boot can hold a decent load of shopping bags. The rear seat folds down, 60/40, to add even more space if a monster shopping trip is in order.
There are some ingenious storage solutions inside the Micra to utilise the small amount of space available to its full potential. Everywhere you look there is somewhere to stash things, be it change, a phone or a wallet, the lip gloss or all those other things that seem to fill out a handbag. There are several different sized compartments within arm’s reach built into the dash.
The glovebox is amazingly large, stretching back a full arms length. Underneath the front passenger seat there is a slide out bin which is a clever way to stash CDs and other items to keep out of sight, or as the website depicts, that spare pair of hot pink heels.
Great economy is expected when it comes to small cars and the Micra doesn’t disappoint in that regard at 6.8 litres per 100km. When I picked the Micra up, the gauge sat above the full line and I had clocked up more than 80km before the needle even pointed to the “F”. Thus meaning the 41 litre tank doesn’t need to be filled frequently when short trips here and there are in order, another plus for the females.
The instrument panel intrigues me. It is at first glance – simple – but for me a little too simple. The absence of an analogue temperature gauge had me a little nervous. Just two LED thermometer icons are present and I am guessing one either lights up ‘blue’ or ‘red’ when you are heading into trouble, I have grown used to old fashioned gauges where you can keep a constant eye on the temperature.
As it stands the instrument panel is straight forward in offering a large speedometer with trip meter and a smaller fuel gauge. No tachometer to create any confusion, if that’s where Nissan was heading with the simple design. The inactive 4WD icon did intrigue me, a 4WD Micra now I would like to see that!
The upgraded City Collection Micra I tested came with a few added extras, among those a six-stacker CD player. The warning sign that read “CAUTION: only insert one CD into slot at a time” had me further worried at Nissan’s clear effort to keep the car’s operation as simple as possible.
But, jokes aside, the easily-operated stereo put out a great sound for the small area and the changer never missed a trick. The Micra is also fitted with an auxiliary MP3 player input jack, which for something different is located in the glovebox, I can tell you that took some finding.
There were things at first I thought were awfully inconvenient, the placement of the aux jack for one, lack of steering wheel controls for another. However, the compact nature of the car means just about everything needed for convenience is at arm’s reach anyway.
Speaking of arms, getting into the Micra you can be forgiven for thinking you are in an armchair with a prominent armrest protruding from the driver’s seat. This is a comfortable addition but did have me wondering whether it was encouraging one-handed driving and it was a little inconvenient when going for the hand brake, but it does fold back easily. Nonetheless, a comfortable addition.
Overall I found the interior to be quite comfortable and I took no issue with the cloth trim. The headrests were a bit different, the curved theme continued there and they took a doughnut-like design, not so much uncomfortable as taking a bit of getting used to.
I am under no illusion this car was designed for family purposes but it is fitted with three child restraint anchor bolts and for the record it fitted two childseats and the boot held a pram – wheels off. The location of the anchors was hugely inconvenient, they were located just inside the boot lip which meant the straps cut directly across the load space and they had to be released to remove the pram. That’s all I’ll say about the family aspect as chances are most Micra owners won’t have full-time back seat passengers, unless it’s a big girls’ night out.
From the exterior, the Micra gave that knees-around-ears sort of compact warning, but I was surprised. The ‘bubble’ nature of the car is more than just an eye-catching look, it provides ample headroom, in fact more so than in an average sedan. The same with the legroom, it is obviously compact, but not as bad as some small cars.
While I didn’t have too many problems with the interior overall, the off-white trim was a bit much. The air-conditioning control knobs, gearshift button and instrument dials all screamed 1970s kitchen and would have been better toned down a little.
Now let me get all girly and attention-to-detail on you and dedicate an entire paragraph to the dashboard. I loved the dashboard.
Aside from it being quite large it is designed with a rubber grippy covering, it dips inwards and feature little ‘barriers’ that prevent items that may be placed on the dashboard sliding off onto the floor when you go around a corner. Just a little thing but an awfully clever one to further amplify the ‘comfortable drive’ feel of the Micra.
The car design is big on the curves and circles. Even the interior light is perfectly round, I half expected it to spontaneously turn into a mirror ball as the Micra gave me that zippy city feeling that I should be driving to a nightclub or a serious girls’ night out, or that could just be the advertising campaign doing doughnuts in my head.
In the driveability stakes, as I have already mentioned the engine is zippy enough for city driving. I did take it out on the freeway for a small country drive and at 110km I didn’t feel the car clinging to the road like I prefer my cars to feel, but at the same time I didn’t feel I was in danger of being blown away. There was increased engine noise and also some wind noise from somewhere in the back, the engine did seem a bit strained at the speed limit.
While there is no cruise control, I did my best to sit at the speed limit however somehow I was still being overtaken by every Tom, Dick and Harry on the road. I mean sedan towing caravans, old farming utes and even a ute towing a horse float as well as trucks. By the end of my drive I had the distinct feeling people were overtaking me on principal.
There are no visibility problems with the driver sitting high and the bubble design meaning pillars seem thinner than a traditional hatchback. The boot is easily opened and closed and the car is perfectly accessible when getting in or out or getting items out. The available colours make me wonder. I loved the ‘New York Blue’ I tested but I have to wonder about other choices such as ‘Rio Latte’ aka beige to put it nicely.
While the Micra doesn’t appeal directly to my taste, I can certainly see where the market lies and know of quite a few Micra owners who adore the styling and city loving nature of the vehicle. Myself though, I have to admit at times I felt like telling people it wasn’t mine and almost expected a clown to jump out of the boot as it somewhat reminded me of a circus car. But as all reviews are, that’s just my opinion. Maybe I’m just not trendy enough.
As the small car segment is a competitive one, the Micra does represent present good value for money, it comes with automatic transmission as standard and starts at $15,990. An extra $2000 will get the City Collection Micra which means 15-inch alloy wheels, extra airbags and the upgraded sound system.
The direct market for this car may be those young, hip, single, city dwelling label-wearing females, but I can also see the Micra appealing to the older generation looking to downsize. Out and about I have seen quite a few older female drivers of the Micra and my mum was certainly impressed when I took her for a spin. The small, easily manoeuvred and economical nature transcends generations.
I am under the belief that there is a car out there to suit all manner of personalities and requirements, otherwise we would all be driving the exact same make and model. The Nissan Micra adds that splash of outlandish personality that is no doubt a winner to the niche city-dwelling female market.
Pricing:
- Micra (base model) – $15,990
- Micra City Collection – $17,990
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look: 
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 1386cc DOHC four cylinder (16-valve)
- Power: 72kW @ 5600rpm
- Torque: 137Nm @ 3200rpm
- Induction: Multipoint
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes: Disc/drum with ABS, EBA & EBD
- CO2 Emissions: 162 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 6.8 litres per 100km (ADR)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 litres
- Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: Three stars
- Airbags: Dual front & side
- Safety: N/A
- Spare Wheel: Space saver
- Suspension: Strut(F)/torsion beam(R)
- Cargo Capacity: 251/584 litres
- Tow Capacity: N/A
- Turning Circle: 8.8 metres
- Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
- Weight: 965 kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy, 15 x 5.5-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
- Ford Fiesta
- Holden Barina
- Honda Jazz
- Hyundai Getz
- KIA Rio
- Mazda 2
- Mitsubishi Colt
- Suzuki Swift
- Toyota Yaris
- Volkswagen Polo
Print it: 
YUUUUCCCKKKKKKK
/thread
I know these vehicles are primarily used as 4 seaters but I reckon having a lap only centre seatbelt in the rear is unforgivable these days
I first thought this car was hideous but now I like it the same way one likes dumbo for looking weird :)
The Micra has always been a roomy baby car, with polarising styling.
For height challenged women who are car-incompetent as well, this could be the perfect car. They never feel overwhelmed by the vehicle which makes for a safer driver on the road. The bug eyes allow the driver to know where the front of the car is.
I’d hate to be a similarly challenged male and be seen in one of these, though :) It’s definitely a girls car.
They don’t put a tacho in so you can’t see it screaming along at 4000rpm on the freeway….
“Perfect for label-wearing females?”
Being label concious myself, I know I would steer clear of the Micra altogether if I wanted to make a statement.
Great run-about for the money, interior makes Chrysler’s look like Audi’s though….
Would prefer this over a Hyundai Getz or a Holden Barina anyday.
I agree with Jan78 completely, people my age (18-30) would prefer the VW badge ect, over the Nissan badge no matter how cute or good looking it was. Its vein, but its true.
Small cars could be safe cars. But Nissan ignores safety anyway (look at even Dualis – No traction control or Stability program). 3 stars by ANCAP, and that looks generous.
I don’t like to be in coffin on wheels. Thank you.
Yes but Jan – ARE you wanting to make a statement? Particularly given the price tag? There aren’t going to any amazing cars for these $$$. The Micra is a good alternative to the Korean market in the cheap car segment.`
I really find the Micra sad. Not only is a manual tranny unavailable, but the car here is ‘new’ despite being almost 7 years old, the Aus specs are crap (look at NZ specs to see how) and it’s lack of a rear centre lap-sash belt (many families will buy one as a second car for the wife who picks up the kids from school) is inexcuseable. And the amount of pink-coloured Hello Kitty maiden Micras I’ve seen in the suburb of Eastwood in Sydney begs belief! Hopefully the new gen will fix these issues, it’s not long until it comes out!
Thought just in: why didn’t Nissan Oz introduce the Note instead of Micra?
Who give a toss about the centre rear seatbelt. Who give a toss about the centre rear seatbelt.
How often does anyone have three passangers in the back.
Especially in somthing this size.
How often does anyone have three passengers in the back.
Especially in something this size.
This is not Nissans first crack at the female only market. The Tiida was launched using Kim what’s her name from S3x and the city. The few people i know to own them are retired couples who live in retirement villages and find them easy to get in and out of their tiny garages. Maybe Nissan should re think their marketing and sponsor bingo night instead of blue light discos.
This car is in my Top Five most hated list.
The ONLY purpose this car would serve is as a clown car for a travelling circus.
Although Nissan 4WDs command a decent amount of respect, their passenger cars verge on the ridiculous. Why would anyone buy a Micra when you could have a nicer looking and safer Mazda 2 or Fiesta (or even Yaris) for the same money?
Jake02, the Note is larger so really should have been introduced instead of the awful Tiida.
“Perfect for those hip, single type, city dwelling, label wearing females”, who also happen to be blind. ;)
Thank You Fasthonda, the sense of reason speaks.
A friend of mine said to me the other day, hmmm I am thinking of buying a new car and I’ve got it down to two I liked, a Nissan Micra or a Honda Jazz, she knows I have penchant for Hondas as, like Toyota they are still truly independent with their engineering, not influenced by the likes of GM or Renault, God forbid.
She asked me what I thought of the Micra, I said it used to be a reasonable little car, built in the UK and had OK components and looked inoffensive. I also said Nissan makes me nervous as much of their current crop is influence by Renault and uses cheap components (no one please argue over this as I know where the wiring looms come from and a lot of the relays and so called 20 cent parts which is what has stranded many a pulsar and patrol owner of recent times).
This new Micra I described as a clowns car, utterly hideous and if its the sign of things to come, not only will I shy away from Nissan products because of the poor components going into them, but the design speaks for itself. My friend response was, “but the Micra must be better its made in Japan and the Jazz comes from Thailand”, well its true the Micra comes from Japan as far as I know, but it is full of cheapie parts that have a 5-10 year useful life, so be warned, the Honda still uses the good bits even though the Thais screw them together.
In many parts of Asia and Europe Nissan has a bad name for reliability and quality when it was being run on the smell of an oily rag.
Let the buyer beware of men in clown suits.
confused,
by name and nature.sto dualis has vdc,tcs,ebd and a, 6 airbags,and 5 star euro crash rating.70% of its weight is in the floorplan for goodness sake.look it up at nissan.com.au
A friend and I (both blokes) hired the previous model Micra in Ireland for 2 weeks back in 1997.
At the time I thought that model vaguely looked kind of like a modern interpretation of a mini.
It was a great car, wonderful 5speed manual gearshift, heaps of space in the interior, revvy engine, nice airy feel and great visibility. It handled the awful Irish B roads and tight village laneways like a dream. Super easy to park as well.
When they brought that model out in Aus I thought it would be a winner but I remember the price killed it.
This newer model is not a blokes car… I cant see myself willingly wanting to drive this chicks car with an auto around the emerald isle…
Joke car. Why even think about it when you can have an equally impractible but much better driving and better looking Mazda2 or Suzuki Swift?
Here we go all the macho types wading in here saying its a crap car, no good, dangerous etc. For gods aske it’s a good seller, Even Jake02 who slags it off has noticed there are a fleet of them around where he lives. Its a town car for townies with little engine capable of wizzing down motorways at 120 kays on the odd occasion. The stupid jerks above obviously dearly want it to have V6 performance as usual!!
I have not driven a Micra but have a Nissan Note (UK)not a disimilar car and do accept the point made about faster driving and feel on the road. This is where bigger cars always feel more capable.
One of the few Nissans meeting sales targets and selling well thanks in large part to its great value argument, but it should have been released here years ago, along with the Note. Not a bad car for it’s age, although looks understandably polarise.
Just to say, this car actually has a four star crash rating. The three star rating is for the base model, the City Collection model has extra airbags thus getting a higher score. Still not up to scratch but then it is seven years old and at the time it was as safe as a supermini could get.
Paul Doubya, do you have any idea what you’re talking about? The Micra has fantastic reliability! It rates highly in reliability tests and if you go to user review websites, hardly anybody has a bad thing to say about them. Renault components are actually pretty high quality. The latest models have been doing really well in reliability stakes.
Why does everybody have such a problem with this car? OK, you may not like the looks, can’t say I’m a fan either but it’s a good car and a good alternative. For a seven year old model, it’s doing pretty well considering that it doesn’t feel that dated and safety is pretty good when you buy the City Collection model. It also has something that so fewer Japanese cars have: character. The Mazda 2 is just dull, the Yaris really feels mass produced and the Swift was never class leader. The Micra deserves sales.
I could understand peoples hatred of it if it was expensive, bad quality, terrible to drive and completely impractical but the fact is that it’s cheap, pretty good quality, good to drive considering it’s a 1.4 with a four speed auto and it has massive amounts of space. It’s a good car, just because it’s ugly doesn’t mean one should discount it as terrible and one of the worst thing to ever happen to the motoring world.
Rose, good review but I think it’s a little unfair to put highway feel as a minus. Considering that Nissan ad campaign was “Cities Love Micra”.
well said Alexi
has nissan forgoten how to make a good looking car in the last 5-10 years! this is the worst looking car on the market followed by the nissan tida, once nissan us to copy toyota but now just us there own designs well there doing well! anyone for a yaris or mazda 2?
I wouldn’t mind a car like this except the fuel tank is too small for the driving I do.As An Alternative to Public Transport or Your Mum/Dads Car when you don’t want to drive yourself It’s Finethough
I love my London Rose(pink) Micra.
I love my London Rose (pink) Micra.
W Polsce jeździ nim moja żona, ma jedną zalete automatyczna skrzynia biegow. Pali 6-8l/100km.
I have a Nissan Micra 2004 and I love my car.
I own the new nissan micra and find it too be one of the best cars that i have ever driven.Iam a retired motor mechanic and well up in cars and engines.Idrove this micra from melbourne too adelaide and back and it was faultless nice 600 km per 41 litre tank,lots of power hard too keep from speeding.Anyone thinking of buying one of these cars go ahead you will not be disapointed. MECHANICALLY PERFECT.BODY SHAPE WELL MAYBE THAT WILL TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS EXTRA TO FALL IN LOVE WITH, ALL AND ALL THANKS NISSAN YOU MADE MY DAY JOE