Nissan Micra (2018-2022) Buyer’s Guide
The Nissan Micra nameplate is no more, but the underappreciated 5th-gen (K14) version of the compact hatchback can offer strong value on the used market today.
Although the South African new-vehicle market missed out on the initial 2 generations of the Micra, Nissan’s compact hatchback/supermini became familiar to many local motorists. Ultimately, this nameplate enjoyed an 18-year run in the country, kicking off with the K12 model in 2004.
The 4th-gen (K13) Micra – which was known as the March in various other countries, including Japan – followed in 2011, before morphing into the prolonged-lifecycle Micra Active in 2017. The 5th-gen (K14) model finally arrived in Mzansi in the following year; it was described as a “massive progression” and shared plenty of oily bits with the Renault Clio IV (courtesy of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance).
Sporting far edgier styling than that of its comparatively bulbous, bug-eyed forebears, the K14-series model was manufactured alongside the Clio IV at the Renault Group’s Flins factory in France, marking the return of Micra production to Europe after a 7-year break. Interestingly, it ran on a modified version of the V-platform that had underpinned its predecessor rather than an all-new architecture.
At launch, Nissan’s local division boldly claimed that the 5th-gen hatchback – which was longer, wider and lower than its predecessor – would “revitalise the small-car segment in South Africa”. However, buyers didn’t quite agree as the 5th-gen model failed to trouble the market’s mid-pack contenders (such as the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20, never mind the strongest seller in Mzansi – the Volkswagen Polo).
In fact, according to Naamsa sales figures, just 1 592 units of the K14-series Micra were registered in South Africa in 2019 – the model’s first full year on the market – translating to a meagre monthly average of 133 units (less than half of the company’s modest initial target of 300 units a month). For context, consider that nearly 22 000 examples of Volkswagen’s locally built Polo hatch were sold that year…
Production of the K14-series Micra is thought to have ceased towards the end of 2022, though Nissan pulled the plug on the nameplate in South Africa a little earlier that year. Indeed, just 98 units were sold locally in 2022. Though the badge is technically no more, rumours suggest an all-new fully electric model will eventually succeed the Micra in some markets.
Model line-up in South Africa
Revealed at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016, it took nearly 2 years for the K14-series Micra to make landfall in South Africa. When it did finally touch down in June 2018, the range comprised a trio of derivatives, each powered by a turbocharged 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (familiar from the Clio) driving the front axle via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
- 0.9T Visia 5MT (66 kW/140 Nm)
- 0.9T Acenta 5MT (66 kW/140 Nm)
- 0.9T Acenta Plus 5MT (66 kW/140 Nm)
By February 2019, a new Micra Acenta Plus Tech derivative had slotted in at the summit of the range, fitted with the Japanese firm’s so-called “Nissan Intelligent Mobility” technology package. The latter included safety systems such as a 360-degree camera set-up (with moving object detection), blind-spot warning and intelligent forward emergency braking. Additional features for this model were rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding side mirrors and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.
Interestingly, the Micra Acenta Plus Tech’s stay in the local line-up was relatively short-lived, as it had disappeared by the time a new engine option joined the range in November 2019. As many as 3 variants were offered with this livelier turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor (swelling the range to 6 derivatives), which generated 84 kW at 5 150 rpm and 180 Nm between 1 750 and 4 000 rpm.
- 1.0T Acenta Plus 6MT (84 kW/180 Nm)
- 1.0T Tekna 6MT (84 kW/180 Nm)
- 1.0T Tekna Plus 6MT (84 kW/180 Nm)
Available in conjunction with the Acenta Plus, Tekna and Tekna Plus trim levels, the 1.0T mill drove the front wheels via a 6-speed manual cog-swapper, facilitating a claimed 0-100 kph time of 9.9 seconds (compared with the 12.1-second time stated for the 64 kW version).
Such-equipped variants furthermore came with revised suspension tuning (including a 10-mm lower ride height), a quicker steering rack, chrome tailpipe, keyless entry and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility package.
From what we can tell, the Micra range went entirely unchanged for the next few years, before Nissan SA quietly axed it at some point in the 3rd quarter of 2022. Interestingly, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa had discontinued the Fiesta hatchback – one of the Micra’s main rivals – just a few months prior.
What are the advantages of a Nissan Micra?
Big improvement inside: While the K13-series model – including the prolonged-lifecycle Active derivative that Nissan had pitched against Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo – featured a cabin best described as “budget”, the 5th-gen Micra’s interior was a pleasing mix of soft-touch surfaces, smart connectivity options and largely generous equipment levels (plus vibrant colour schemes, in the case of certain derivatives). In short, the K14-series moved upmarket, leaving the cheap-and-cheerful Active to cover the lower end of the segment. Note that the base Visia didn’t have the 7-inch touchscreen system.
Plenty of standard safety kit: Since the 5th-gen Micra was primarily designed for and built in Europe (a continent with stringent crash-test standards), it had no shortage of safety equipment. For the record, the European-spec version of the K14-series Micra scored 4 stars in its Euro NCAP test in 2017.
All derivatives in the SA range shipped standard with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and ISOfix child-seat anchors (including for the front passenger seat, where the airbag could be deactivated). Variants fitted with the 1.0-litre turbo powertrain, meanwhile, furthermore gained the 360-degree camera system, blind-spot warning and rear parking sensors.
Wallet-friendly fuel economy: Owing to a relative lack of heft, as well as the pair of small-capacity forced-induction engines on offer, Nissan could claim enticingly low fuel-economy figures for the 5th-gen Micra. In addition, with a CO2 emissions figure of 115 g/km applying across the range, Nissan’s B-segment hatchback snuck in under the taxable threshold of the time. The Japanese firm said the 66 kW version of the Micra could sip unleaded at just 5.1 L/100 km on the combined cycle, while the more energetic 84 kW engine was interestingly even lighter on fuel, featuring a listed figure of 5.0 L/100 km.
What are the disadvantages of a Nissan Micra?
66 kW engine lacked refinement: Though the tiny 0.9-litre engine was certainly capable of returning impressive fuel-economy figures, it wasn’t entirely user-friendly in practical terms. For example, the little 3-pot exhibited some lowdown lag; maximum twisting force was available only from 2 250 rpm, after all, while peak power arrived at 5 500 rpm, resulting in a relatively narrow band of accessible oomph. In short, the driver had to work the engine hard to make decent progress.
In addition, the 5-speed manual gearbox wasn’t the slickest around, while the clutch had an awkwardly high biting point. These were all criticisms also levelled at Clio IV derivatives that used this motor, which was likewise known to suffer from worn timing chains or outright timing-chain failures (particularly if the vehicle hadn’t had its oil changed regularly).
No automatic transmission option: While the related Clio IV was available in South Africa with an optional dual-clutch transmission (in conjunction with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol mill), the K14-series Micra was offered only in manual guise, meaning local buyers keen on a 2-pedal hatchback had to look elsewhere. That made it even trickier for the Micra to challenge the likes of the Polo and Fiesta.
The 5th-gen Micra was sold with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in some markets, but this cog-swapping option never made it to local shores. Mzansi also missed out on the naturally aspirated (and, by all accounts, rather weedy) 1.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre turbodiesel variants available abroad.
Cramped rear quarters: The 5th-gen Micra’s rear quarters were relatively cramped, particularly when it came to headroom (tall occupants had the dramatically sloping roofline to thank for that). In addition, the chunky C-pillar design – which incidentally hid the rear door handles – impacted outward visibility and left rear passengers feeling a little claustrophobic. Curiously, some derivatives – even high-spec versions early on – made do with manual wind-up windows at the back, while also missing out on door bins.
Still, there weren’t complaints from those seated up front, where the pews were wonderfully comfortable. Moreover, the steering column offered rake- and reach adjustment, allowing the pilot to fine-tune their driving position. The load bay had a claimed capacity of 300 litres with the 60:40-split bench in position.
How much is a used Nissan Micra in South Africa?
Throughout its tenure on SA’s new vehicle market, the Nissan Micra shipped standard with a 3-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) and a 6-year/150 000 km warranty. The Japanese brand’s compact hatchback was furthermore offered with a range of optional “styling packs”, bringing a chrome, blue, black or orange finish for items such as the side mouldings and side-mirror caps.
About 65% of the used K14-series/5th-gen Nissan Micra models listed on Cars.co.za at the time of writing were fitted with the 66 kW motor. The Acenta Plus trim level – the only grade common to both engines – was the most listed at 31%, closely followed by Acenta (27%) and the base Visia (22%).
The most popular model year was 2021, while we intriguingly found a single unit in each of the 2023 and 2024 brackets (vehicles that must have been held back for late registration). Mileages varied from just 100 km on the aforementioned 2023 example, to 153 000 km on a 2019 Acenta model.
- Below R150 000: At the time of writing, the few examples below this mark were all from the initial 2 model years. Unexpectedly, both engines were represented here, though we noted damaged paintwork and scruffy interiors in some cases.
- From R150 000 to R200 000: There were far more listings between these pricing bookends, though the base 66 kW motor accounted for the bulk. The entry-level Visia trim made up half of the listings here, but a number were fitted with aftermarket alloys (something we’d advise avoiding).
- From R200 000 to R250 000: Many shoppers would likely be searching within this pricing bracket, which housed about 40% of all K14-series Micras listed. Most of the units here had under 50 000 km on their odometers, while the split between engines was 70:30 in favour of the smaller mill.
- R250 000 and up: Should your budget extend past R250 000, you’d have the option of picking up a late model-year Micra, most likely fitted with the more desirable 84 kW engine. The most expensive example we discovered was a 2021 1.0T Tekna with nearly 21 000 km on the clock and a price tag of R359 950 (that derivative was priced at R404 900 when new, before it was discontinued in 2022).
Which derivative should you buy?
So, which version of the Micra should be on your shortlist? Well, we’d argue the 84 kW 1.0T was easily the more polished of the 2 powertrain options, beating its slightly smaller-capacity sibling on virtually all fronts (from peak power/torque and fuel economy to refinement, gearshift action and ease of use).
However, the low-speed ride in the 84 kW derivatives was a little firmer than in the 66 kW variants, owing to the tauter, lower suspension and lower-profile tyres. For the record, all 84 kW variants (as well as the 66 kW Acenta Plus variant) rode on 205/45 R17 tyres, while the 66 kW Acenta used 195/55 R16 rubber and the base Visia plumper-still 185/65 R15 tyres (the latter wrapped round steelies rather than alloys).
In terms of trim levels, the Acenta Plus covered most needs and is our pick of the bunch, though the Tekna added niceties such as LED headlights, LED front foglamps, rain-sensing wipers, climate control (as opposed to manual aircon) and a Bose audio system, complete with an amplifier under the driver’s seat, wide-range speakers in the front doors, tweeters in the dashboard and “ultra-nearfield” speakers in the driver’s seat headrest.
Though such examples are seemingly few and far between on the used market today, the Tekna Plus furthermore gained “Invigorating Red” cabin trim, leather seats (with a heating function up front) and the option of “Enigma Black” paint.
Is the K14-series Nissan Micra a smart used buy?
When the K14-series Nissan Micra finally made local landfall in mid-2018, it had an incredibly tough task on its hands. The reinvented B-segment hatchback was pitted against Mzansi favourites such as the 6th-gen Volkswagen Polo (made in Kariega) and the 7th-gen Ford Fiesta (imported from Cologne).
It also faced steady sellers like the Renault Clio IV, the 2nd-gen Hyundai i20, the 4th-gen Kia Rio and the 3rd-gen Honda Jazz. Other contenders in this space at the time included the 3rd-gen Mazda2 and the underwhelming (Thailand-sourced) XP150-generation Toyota Yaris. There was also the X15-series Opel Corsa and the A9-gen Peugeot 208, which were more left-field options.
In some ways, the 5th-gen Micra wasn’t quite as accomplished as the class leaders. The Volkswagen Polo, for instance, boasted more interior space, offered higher levels of refinement and rode with a greater degree of pliancy, while the agile Ford Fiesta was simply far more enjoyable to drive. That said, the edgily-styled Nissan wasn’t all that far off when specified with the more powerful engine…
While the cramped rear quarters and lack of an automatic transmission option were the obvious blots on its ledger, the K14-series Micra still represented a monumental improvement over its bland predecessor, being far more interesting to look at, sit in and indeed drive. Though it’s a shame this nameplate is no longer with us on the new-car market, there’s certainly still value to be found in the used-car space.
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