Review: Nissan Micra Acenta 1.2 DIG-S (long-term test, month three)
Regularly summoning up that Arctic squall hasn’t helped our Micra’s fuel consumption. We had been ekeing out about 55mpg on longer journeys, but we’ve been limited to short urban trips lately, and that figure has fallen to 37mpg. Which is still not too bad considering the stop-start nature of the Edinburgh commute.
Despite the median Acenta trim-level Micra being pretty well equipped, there’s no parking assistance fitted as standard, which we thought was a little remiss in a car geared towards urban driving.
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Hide AdHowever, after a few weeks at the wheel, we’ve become accustomed to the Micra’s shape and size and know exactly where its little bubble of personal space begins and ends, while the relatively high driving position and superb visibility over the shoulder have made parking ridiculously easy.
As a country bumpkin from the sticks, a good satnav system is an essential for me driving in Edinburgh. On the plus side, the Micra’s gizmo, integrated into the 5.8-inch full- colour touchscreen, is easy to use and intuitive, but I’m never quite satisfied with the zoom level and have missed a few turns and lane-changes, much to several other motorists’ frustration. Sorry everyone.
When you do find yourself in the wrong lane at the lights, a bit of poke doesn’t go amiss. The 1.2-litre supercharged petrol engine may not be ideal for long motorway hauls, but it’s certainly been punchy enough for me to pull off various cheeky getaways from the white line as I dart haphazardly across town. Again, sorry everyone.
It’s comfortable, parkable and has decent fuel economy with just enough fizz to give you an edge at the lights. Yes, the Micra’s right at home in the city.
VITAL STATS
PRICE £12,650 (£13,600 as tested)
ENGINE 1.2l petrol, 3 cyl, 97bhp, 108 lb ft
PERFORMANCE Max speed 112mph; 0-62mph 11.3s
ECONOMY 65.7mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS 99g/km