Driven: Nissan Micra 1.2-litre DIG-S
Sunday, 22 January 2012 4:03 PM
The new Nissan Micra DIG-S comes equipped with a 76mpg, supercharged petrol engine. Now that's diesel eco-territory!
Diesel can cost as much as £1.43 a litre while petrol is generally 10 pence a litre cheaper.
In the first two weeks of 2012 fuel stations across the UK have continued to hike up their prices by up to six pence a litre. Motoring is indeed getting dearer and dearer.
Traditionally diesels have always been more economical than their petrol equivalents. Until now that is because Nissan claims that its latest fourth-generation Micra can return an incredible 76mpg.
This remarkable achievement is all down to an ultra-clean and efficient new 1.2-litre petrol engine with auto stop/start technology, coupled to an all-new lightweight chassis. The doors and boot feel light but dare I say it tinny although this is all in the name of efficiency.
Driver and passengers are treated to comfy seats on a par with more expensive vehicles. To compensate for there being no centre arm rest the driver’s seat incorporates a useful pull down one, which is beneficial on long motorway journeys when few gear changes are required. Overall the driving position is good and it’s entertaining to drive feeling equally at home pottering around town as it does munching up the miles on the motorway. As is often the way it is most efficient at lower speeds with economy reducing the faster you travel.
During the test the cheerful looking Micra has been used for a mix of town centre and motorway cruising. It is arguably better suited to the urban crawl where it is most economical. Its small size means it’s easy to parallel park. A supercharger helps ensure that it’s rarely left behind at the lights - it’s surprisingly nippy, particularly at lower speeds. Boy or girl racers should enjoy the 15-inch alloys, which complete the DIG-S package along with electric front windows.
When the Micra was launched almost 30 years ago, few would have imagined that it could eventually be fitted with cruise control. But the DIG-Sis and it is helpfully mounted on the steering wheel. This function is particularly useful on the motorway, helping the Micra deliver an experience similar to that of larger more expensive vehicles. It is also useful for keeping within the speed limit particularly in the presence of speed cameras. The sat nav helpfully alerts the driver when they approach these unforgiving beasts.
Unfortunately the sound quality of the stereo is a little disappointing despite there being six speakers and the radio reception could be better, too. But the dashboard is easy to navigate although the quality of materials could be improved.
Parkers, the car experts, write: “The fourth-generation Nissan Micra, with its low purchase price, group 3 insurance and excellent fuel economy should be an ideal buy for those on a budget who want something a little more left-field than the default, yet more expensive Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. It is fair to say that the Micra, in all its guises, has been a hit with the UK market.”
Motorists using this car purely as a town runabout will undoubtedly be suitably impressed with its efficiency.
Nissan Micra 1.2-litre DIG-S
Economy: 69mpg (quoted extra urban)
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
Road tax: free
Top speed: 112mph
0-60mph: 11.3secs
New price: £13,011
By Tim Saunders
