Funky fresh Micra big on practicality

04 August 2011 - 22:29 By ITUMELENG MOTUBA
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Itumeleng Motuba stands beside a funky Nissan Micra Picture: LAUREN MULLIGAN
Itumeleng Motuba stands beside a funky Nissan Micra Picture: LAUREN MULLIGAN

The new Nissan Micra should steal that old bank slogan - because it is simpler, better, faster. It is for those who do not like complications, like the librarian who still uses a cellphone with polyphonic ring tones.

This is the type of car you will buy your son or daughter when they head off to varsity and it can also be your first car as a young professional, just after you get your first job.

So Nissan decided to give the Micra a new look. A funky little car, which should also have a funky little attitude, but to be honest it is just a little bit docile.

Though, I personally think the new shape looks much better than the old one, I also feel there is so much more Nissan could have done with this car.

The Micra comes across as that sweet, cute girl who is smart. It definitely doesn't scream sexy at all.

The interior is not very exciting, but it is very functional. It has a 6-CD changer. Okay, it does have an auxiliary output, so it's not all bad.

After you get over the calculator-looking type screen, then the fun begins. The Micra has a built-in Bluetooth hands-free kit, which makes life easier. This baby Nissan is just a simple city car that makes life as easy as possible.

For such a little thing you would not expect too much space, but this new model has ample space and the boot is quite satisfactory. And the fact that the back seats also fold down to create more boot space is also pretty neat.

I thought the Toyota Yaris was awesome because it had all these hidden compartments to store things in, but I think the new Micra is giving it a run for its money.

It is also very light on fuel. This is definitely a car for running errands around the city.

It is swift and it will make mommy very happy when she has to fetch costumes for the school play, or organise birthday parties.

It is nimble and it practically fits everywhere, which is a huge plus.

I think events and marketing companies can invest in the Micra as their work car as it is dependable and will get around the city with ease, while also being easy on the pocket.

Yes, you get electric windows, aircon, ABS brakes, hands-free phone and remote audio controls.

What more could anyone ask for from this little car? It won't make you cartwheel with excitement, but it is reliable and practical and one of those cars you buy, knowing you will be driving it for a while. At R143400 for the Micra Tekna 1.5 tested here, I am not complaining.

Those who can't afford to stretch to R140k can settle for the smaller Visia 1.2 for R108400.

From a solid brand such as Nissan, you get more than you ask for.

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