What is it?
Remember the Micra 160 SR? A gold star and extra nerd points if you do. Launched back in 2005, it was Nissan’s first and (until today) only attempt to push its supermini into the 'warm hatch' sphere in Europe.
To say it was unsuccessful is an understatement. Contemporary reviews suggest it was actually pretty competitive. But it seemed that car’s cutesy styling combined with the Nissan Micra’s driving school image did it no favours for enthusiasts on a budget.
But perhaps the latest generation is a better fit, with its more grown up, angular design and slightly more upmarket positioning. Nissan clearly reckons so, which is why it’s launched the N-Sport onto the market.
Far from just a cynical trim level, the firm is using it as the basis to introduce a new 1.0-litre engine, also available in other higher-end trims. All cars with the new engine get a bespoke chassis tune, lowered suspension and a new steering rack, while the N-Sport model gets subtle exterior styling tweaks and and natty Alcantara trim on the dash and seats.
Alongside this, model year upgrades include a newly designed infotainment system with additional connectivity, and a new smartphone app that allows some limited operation of vehicle features.
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Horrid
Why can't anyone building small cars these days put windows in the rear, rather than pill-box slits? It's minging!
Plus the performance is pretty "cool" (in a bad way) for a warm hatch.
Come On, Nissan
More power not required
I'm sure that Nissan is well able to deliver more power if the market was there. Problem is that most people want the sporty looks and equipment, but not the accompanying insurance cost and higher fuel bills that a genuine performance model brings. Nissan's priority is to make a profit, so it is simply responding to market demand.
Besides, I'm sure that it would feel pretty quick on account of the high torque output; more power would simply mean a higher top speed and a few tenths chopped off the 0 to 60mph figure. And dearer insurance...
Mind if a person is actually not interested in the performance
A person would alternatively be able to buy the cheaper 1,0l model admittedly little less powerful yet in lazy driving similar driving characteristics and in lazy driving unlikely to be much in it - when it comes to noticeable difference in performance. That would forgo the sporty looks, some equipment and the lowered suspension, however a person not interested in performance primarily interested in economy - probably would view the more comfortable ride of the less sporty ride setting as a bonus and probably is saving up to 2K in the process - and insurance probably even cheaper to boot.
LP in Brighton wrote:
Yeah. You're right, of course. It just upsets me. Nissan is pretty much my favourite manufacturer. A Pulsar SSS (Almera GTI in the UK, I think) was the best car I've owned. A 1.6 L granny model Pulsar had 85 kW in 1991, and their new 'sporty' Micra has 87 kW? That's no good.
Similar power engine size to my previous car
The Focus ecoboost never felt too slow even however it by no means ever felt fast. Being some degree lighter - a Micra should be a little faster. But the Micra N-Sport can't really be sporty choice even so - more about, looking sporty without being so - I guess. At least a Suzuki Swift actually appears being reasonably peppy for little less money. That Micra clearly appears not being a - value choice.