Used Nissan Micra 2017-2022 review

The Nissan Micra couldn't catch a break, could it. Of course, Richard Hammond famously wearing a bag over his head while driving one – specifically, a pink convertible version – didn't do the model any favours.

Fortunately, this isn't that one. This is the last, 2017-2022 generation and it's actually a rather sharp dresser. Is it a properly handsome small car? That's for you to decide.

Engines & Performance: There are two petrol engines and one diesel on offer in the Micra. Entry-level cars get a 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol, but you can also have a smaller (and more powerful) 89bhp 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol for a bit more performance on faster roads. A turbocharged 1.0-litre engine – available in 92bhp, 99bhp and 115bhp forms – is your next step up.

If you want to maximise fuel economy, there’s a 1.5-litre diesel that's rather refined by small car standards. It's worth mentioning, however, that this engine left the line-up in 2020; the 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol did the same the year before.

Ride & Handling: The Micra is an easy car to drive, with light steering, a smooth clutch and a progressive brake pedal.

The suspension isn’t great at dealing with short, sharp shocks – such as potholes – when trundling around at town speeds and it can transmit a little too much of the low-frequency vibrations caused by broken road surfaces into the interior. However, the ride settles down when you get up to motorway speeds, and the car feels very stable and planted.

Road noise is well-contained, but you can hear some wind noise being kicked up by the large door mirrors.

Interior & Practicality: Inside is a driving position that includes a multi-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat. The dashboard impresses, too, with large, clear dials and well-labelled switches that are logically arranged. If you want an armrest, though, you’ll have to choose N-Sport trim.

The steeply angled windscreen pillars can obscure your view at angled junctions but don’t cause any problems most of the time. However, rear visibility tends to frustrate. With thick rear pillars and a shallow rear screen, it’s just as well you can have rear parking sensors and a reversing camera on some models. However, they’re only standard on N-Sport and range-topping Tekna models, being optional-from-new with popular mid-spec Acenta trim.

Up front, the Micra is impressively roomy. If you regularly carry more than one adult passenger, you might need to cross the Micra off your list. Compared with the Skoda Fabia, leg room is tight and head room is downright poor, even for those of average height.

The Micra’s boot is a decent shape and usefully wide, so it’s capable of taking a fold-up buggy or a big weekly shop.

Trims & Equipment: Visia trim is a bit spartan, but Visia+ adds air-con to make things a bit more pleasant. Mid-spec Acenta gets a much better list of standard equipment, including alloy wheels, cruise control and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system. It’s worth noting, though, that while Acenta cars and above have Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, they don't have Android Auto, which can be found in some of its rivals.

Much more impressive is the list of standard safety tech, which includes lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and hill start assist, all of which add an additional layer of safety to the Micra.

Interested in buying a used Nissan Micra? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You can pick up a Nissan Micra for around £7000 if you fancy a 2017 example in 0.9-litre Acenta form with an average mileage and a full service history. Examples with high mileage and/or previous damage can be had for around £5000.

For a 2020 model, have at least £9000 to spend – that's if you don't want high miles or previous damage. Examples from the Micra's final two model years go for around £12,000.

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MPG: It shouldn’t cost an awful lot to run a Micra. The 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol has an average economy figure of 61.4mpg, although that's based on older, less realistic NEDC testing rather than current WLTP standards.

The 92bhp 1.0-litre petrol has an average economy figure of 51.4mpg, according to current WLTP standards. The turbocharged 89bhp 0.9-litre petrol, on the other hand, officially averages 47.1mpg.

The 1.5-litre diesel has an average of 88.3mpg (NEDC). This figure drops to 52.3mpg under WLTP testing.

Road tax: All cars registered after April 2017 will currently cost you £180 per year in road tax.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups are incredibly low, ranging from 1 to 12 (out of 50), depending on your chosen variant.

Unlike a number of fixed-price service schemes, you can take advantage of Nissan’s straight away. Most Nissan cars have a set figure for minor and major services. Individual repairs, such as replacement brake pads, also have a set fee. Taking advantage of this service offer also gets you a year’s European roadside assistance if you break down.

The non-turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol is a bit too slow and the diesel only makes sense if you do lots of miles. So, we’d recommend going for the 0.9-litre petrol, because it’s the best all-round bet, thanks to its lively performance and good fuel economy.

We’d avoid the basic Visa cars, because they do without air-con. Likewise, you should steer clear of the more expensive top-spec Tekna, unless you get a really good deal on it. Mid-range Acenta gets you all you really need and there are loads of used examples out there to choose from.

Our favourite Nissan Micra: 0.9 IG-T Acenta

The Ford Fiesta has always been one of the best cars in its class. In regards to its final generation, you get a bigger touchscreen than you do in the Nissan Micra and, as long as you avoid the Style version, it’ll give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. To drive, it’s much sharper and the ride is perfectly judged, soaking up the worst of the ruts without being soft, yet taut enough to keep body movements in check.

The Volkswagen Polo has been the premium option for a long time now, and for good reason. It has one of the classiest interiors in this class, and with an 8.0in touchscreen on all models, it’s got one of the best infotainment systems too. There’s a lot more space inside the Polo for rear passengers, and there are lots of engines to choose from.

The Seat Ibiza is nearly as good to drive as the Fiesta, and it benefits from the same underpinnings as the Polo, so it’s big inside for a small car and you have plenty of efficient petrol and diesel engines to choose from.

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Interested in buying a used Nissan Micra? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.