Nissan Micra
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that’s both practical and surprisingly sophisticated? The Nissan Micra could be exactly what you need. This compact hatchback has evolved dramatically over the years, transforming from a basic budget option into a genuinely appealing small car that offers excellent value for money. It’s perfect for city dwellers, first-time buyers, or anyone who wants an efficient and reliable runabout without breaking the bank.

The latest Micra stands out in a crowded field of rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo with its bold styling and surprisingly spacious interior. The cabin quality has taken a massive leap forward, featuring soft-touch materials and modern technology that wouldn’t look out of place in a more expensive car. You get a real sense that Nissan has listened to what buyers actually want from a small hatchbook.

What makes the Micra particularly appealing is how it balances practicality with personality. The driving experience is smooth and confidence-inspiring, whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising on the motorway. It offers genuine comfort for four adults on shorter journeys and impressive fuel economy that keeps running costs low. For many buyers, it represents the sweet spot between affordability and quality that’s often missing in this competitive segment.

What's the Nissan Micra Like to Drive?

The Nissan Micra prioritises efficiency and smoothness over outright performance, which suits its city car character perfectly. The petrol engine range includes a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit producing around 92 horsepower, which feels perfectly adequate for urban driving and lighter motorway use. There’s also a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo option delivering 117 horsepower that provides noticeably better acceleration and makes overtaking much easier. Both engines are refined and quiet, contributing to the Micra’s grown-up feel.

On the road, the Micra impresses with its composed and predictable handling. The steering is light at low speeds, making parking effortless, but provides decent feedback when you need it. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and potholes, keeping the ride comfortable even on poorly maintained urban roads. It’s not the most exciting small hatchback to drive, but it delivers exactly what most buyers want: reliability, comfort, and ease of use in everyday situations.

Nissan Micra Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the Micra and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality on offer. The dashboard features an attractive design with soft-touch materials on key surfaces, creating a more premium feel than you’d expect at this price point. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making smartphone integration seamless. The overall build quality feels solid, with switches and controls operating with reassuring precision.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, offering decent adjustment range to help you find the ideal driving position. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a refined cabin environment that makes longer journeys more pleasant. Rear passengers get reasonable space for adults on shorter trips, though taller passengers might find headroom a bit tight. The air conditioning works effectively, and higher-spec models include useful features like automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers that add to the premium feel.

The Nissan Micra represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a genuinely appealing package for small car buyers. Its refined driving experience, surprisingly upmarket interior, and excellent fuel economy make it a strong contender in the competitive small hatchback market. The build quality feels solid, and the technology on offer rivals that found in much more expensive cars.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Nissan Micra?

The Micra excels when it comes to keeping your monthly expenses down. Fuel economy is impressive across the range, with real-world figures typically falling between 45-50 mpg depending on your driving style and engine choice. Insurance groups are reasonable for a small car, making it an attractive option for younger drivers or those looking to keep premiums low. Road tax is minimal thanks to the efficient engines and relatively low CO2 emissions.

Purchase prices are competitive within the small car segment, though not the cheapest available. However, the Micra’s strong reliability record and good resale values help offset the initial cost. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Nissan’s dealer network is extensive, making maintenance convenient. For buyers looking to spread the cost, car finance options are readily available with competitive rates, making it easier to get behind the wheel of a new or nearly new model.

Is the Nissan Micra Practical for Everyday Use?

For its size, the Nissan Micra offers impressive practicality that makes it suitable for a wide range of users. The 300-litre boot is perfectly adequate for weekly shopping trips, weekend bags, or smaller family outings. The rear seats fold down to create a much larger cargo area when needed, and the loading lip isn’t too high, making it easy to lift heavier items in and out. Storage space throughout the cabin is thoughtfully designed, with plenty of places for your phone, keys, and other daily essentials.

The Micra works well for couples, small families, or anyone who primarily drives solo but occasionally needs space for passengers. While rear seat space isn’t generous enough for tall adults on long journeys, it’s fine for children or shorter adults on most trips. Its compact dimensions are a real advantage in urban environments, making it incredibly easy to park in tight spaces and navigate through busy traffic. Compared to other used Nissan cars, it represents excellent value for buyers who prioritise efficiency and ease of use over maximum space.

The Nissan Micra has evolved into a genuinely competitive small hatchback that offers an impressive blend of quality, efficiency, and value. It successfully combines urban-friendly dimensions with a surprisingly refined driving experience and an interior that punches well above its weight class. The excellent fuel economy and low running costs make it particularly attractive for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

You choose the Micra because it delivers exactly what most small car buyers actually need: reliability, comfort, efficiency, and a touch of style. It’s ideal for city driving but equally capable on longer journeys. With cars under £10,000 available on the used market, it represents excellent value for buyers seeking a dependable and economical small car that feels more expensive than its price suggests.