Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta

Nissan has some great products in its line-up at present. It is unfortunate then, that a brand which so impresses with its medium and larger cars doesn’t stand out at the entry end of the market.

The B-segment is extremely competitive and many carmakers have to keep costs low in order to keep these small cars profitable.

That’s the case with Micra. It’s now a global model, with cars built in India for the UK market.

Nissan GB aims for 17,000 Micra sales annually. Micra is heavily retail biased, with 70% of demand going to private motorists. Incentives currently offered include three years free servicing, roadside assistance and 5.9% APR finance.

Buyers won’t be blown away by the driving experience – a Peugeot 107 or Renault Twingo offers more fun, if less space – nor the perceived quality of materials.

However, the Micra does deliver value.

Nissan has kept the price below the £10,000 mark for the entry-spec Visia, but AM tested the mid-range Acenta model.

It accounts for 65% of demand, because for a £1,600 mark-up from Visia it adds alloy wheels, climate control, colour-coded trim, front foglamps, electric mirrors and cruise control onto the base car.

A neat optional extra is parking slot measurement, standard on the top-spec Teknas.

Only one engine is available across Micra, the 1.2-litre petrol. It’s okay around town but noisy at cruising speeds.

Crucially its VED band C and official 56.5mpg will appeal to the cost-conscious.