Review: driving a $9998 2015 Nissan Micra (Nissan's most efficient manual in Can/US.)

[imnotminkus]

I rented an automatic Micra in Ireland in May. I was hoping for a Skoda Citigo because from what I could tell they seemed more efficient, but there were none left. Over ~1,100 miles driving clockwise around the country, I think I averaged around 46 mpg according to the car's display. Haven't calculated based on gas receipts and odometer yet.

[MetroMPG]

Do you know which engine was in your Micra?

Likely the naturally aspirated 1.2L triple. And the CVT (vs. the old school 4-speed auto slushbox that comes in the Micra here).

[imnotminkus]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Do you know which engine was in your Micra?

Likely the naturally aspirated 1.2L triple. And the CVT (vs. the old school 4-speed auto slushbox that comes in the Micra here).

http://nissan.ie/vehicle/micra/grades-and-engines says "1.2L Petrol CVT" (can't post links yet)

It was from Budget, so I assume they use the Irish version of the Micra on Nissan's site. But I do recall feeling some shifting, (with eco mode off, and I remember trying to figure out the speeds in kmph it shifts at) so I really don't know.

It seemed nice and zippy on Ireland's curvy roads, especially with eco mode off. I have a Prius c though, so most cars feel "zippy" to me.

Nissan also says it's rated at 43.5 mpg, which is about what I got.

[MetroMPG]

It's possible there might be a 4-speed auto trans with the 1.2L n.a. engine -- I know Australia gets that combo.

It seemed nice and zippy on Ireland's curvy roads, especially with eco mode off. I have a Prius c though, so most cars feel "zippy" to me.

Ha - yes, it's all relative, isn't it? EVERYTHING feels zippy to me.

PS: fixed your link.

[Xist]

Hey Metro,

What are you doing when you celebrate 20,000 posts next year?

[MetroMPG]

I think I'll be wondering how I could have better spent my time?

[MetroMPG]

Came across this tidbit:

Micra: Nissan continues to study bringing the Micra minicar to the United States. The Micra now sells in Canada, and its platform is in production in Mexico, yielding other Nissan nameplates. A U.S. entry likely would fall after 2018.

Source: http://www.autonews.com/article/2016...r-of-the-truck

Given the year mentioned, I bet that means they won't do it before the next-gen (K14) Micra platform is in production in Mexico (where the Canadian car is produced alongside the U.S. market Versa sedan and Note).

The next gen Micra is nearly ready for sale for Europe & Japan (Micra-Forum links):

Thread: 2016 European Micra K14: some details released, based on Sway concept

Thread: New Micra 2017 without camouflage

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The only thing that doesn't make sense about bringing the Micra to the States is ... the success of the Versa sedan.

It's the best-selling subcompact car in the U.S. and has the lowest MSRP in the country. AND despite falling sales in the car segment (vs. SUV's/crossovers), the Versa has actually been increasing sales for 7 years straight.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...ers-something/

The Micra would cannibalize sales of the sedan/Note.

[wdb]

I saw a brand new Versa on the road yesterday. Apparently there is an optional trunk spoiler. The mind boggles.

[LATER] Okay, went to the Nissan website. Apparently I saw an S Plus. Cruise control, CVT, rear spoiler, all for a mere $3K over the base model.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by wdb

I saw a brand new Versa on the road yesterday. Apparently there is an optional trunk spoiler. The mind boggles.

[LATER] Okay, went to the Nissan website. Apparently I saw an S Plus. Cruise control, CVT, rear spoiler, all for a mere $3K over the base model.

My $9999 2010 Cobalt has a trunk spoiler option installed as well, said I didn't want it, dealer said I had to take what was on the lot or pay $14,999 to not have a trunk spoiler and onstar.

Made my decision for me, I'm the guy with a FWD 165hp econobox with a spoiler

[MetroMPG]

Spoiler makes it grounded to the ground!

Originally Posted by wdb

Cruise control, CVT, rear spoiler, all for a mere $3K over the base model.

Yes, that's the big trick with these low, low, low! MSRP's. To get the most desired equipment, the price jump to the next trim level is pretty big.

On the $10k Canadian Mirage, Micra, and now Spark, if you want an automatic transmission, the price jumps about 35%.