Nissan Micra review

Overview

The 2019 Micra is a sharply styled five-door supermini, not the inexpensive rounded model that some buyers still associate with its name. This record selects the K14 Acenta after the engine and infotainment update, using the 1.0-litre IG-T 100 petrol engine and five-speed manual. The earlier 0.9 turbo, stronger DIG-T 117 and Xtronic automatic are different derivatives, while the newer electric Micra is a separate generation entirely. It is attractive for buyers wanting ordinary petrol ownership with useful phone connectivity and manageable dimensions. Its weaknesses are mostly packaging and refinement compromises rather than a lack of essential capability. Rear passengers should try it before the styling wins the decision.

Exterior and interior

Angular bodywork and concealed rear-door handles give the K14 more visual energy than its predecessors. Acenta's original UK specification includes 16-inch alloys and a conventional, easily understood cabin with manual air conditioning and a seven-inch touchscreen. Higher-grade decorative upholstery, Bose audio and navigation should not be assumed. Inspect the rear handles and door edges carefully because their position can conceal marks that are missed in a quick walkaround. In the cabin, seating comfort and reach to the steering wheel matter more than contrasting dashboard colours. Hard lower plastics are normal for this class, but loose trim, damaged controls and uneven wear are reasons to investigate how the particular car has been treated.

Practicality

The manufacturer's European technical sheet lists 300 litres with the rear seats upright. It is enough for routine shopping or light travel, but the boot opening, loading lip and folded-seat step are more informative for awkward objects than the headline alone. Try your pushchair and usual bags during the viewing. Tall rear passengers may find the roofline restrictive even if knee space initially seems acceptable, and the centre seat is best treated as occasional use. This Acenta is not automatically equipped with parking sensors or a rear camera, so assess rear visibility yourself. Check the split backrests, parcel shelf and tyre equipment, and ensure a child's seat can be secured without compromising front-seat comfort.

Driving experience

Independent assessments of the K14 support its competent everyday role while distinguishing it from more engaging or more softly riding rivals. Our reading is that it feels modern and sufficiently composed for mixed use, rather than being a particularly sporting supermini. The updated turbocharged engine is a better partner for ordinary acceleration than the low-output naturally aspirated option. Acenta's wheels and suspension must still be assessed on poor local surfaces, where tyre choice and wear can change the experience considerably. Check straight-line tracking and consistent steering assistance. The manual avoids the separate characteristics of Xtronic; a smooth test drive in an automatic does not answer questions about this car's clutch or gear selection.

Performance

Nissan identifies the updated IG-T 100 as a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with a five-speed manual. Its 100 metric horsepower is approximately 99 bhp, not 100 imperial horsepower. The manufacturer's European technical sheet records 160 Nm and 0–62 mph in 10.9 seconds for the manual; Xtronic has different torque and acceleration figures. This is useful everyday pace rather than hot-hatch performance, and appropriate downshifts remain important during uphill or loaded journeys. Do not use the six-speed DIG-T 117's numbers or older 0.9 figures. Check the engine identity and assess clean response through the normal rev range, with no warning lights, misfire or unexpected loss of power.

Fuel economy

The research established the engine and gearbox but did not establish one unambiguous UK Acenta economy figure with a suitable original test-cycle scope. The structured mpg field is therefore omitted. Our annual ownership scenario uses 49 mpg as an explicit planning assumption, not a tested result or a publisher average. Short cold journeys, congestion and motorway speed can move actual consumption appreciably. Buyers who mostly drive locally have a stronger reason to choose this petrol model than a diesel whose emissions system suits longer runs. A correctly maintained engine and properly inflated tyres are important. Once bought, calculate consumption from successive fuel fills rather than relying entirely on the dashboard's estimate or a seller's claimed best journey.

Reliability

The reliability score is our qualified editorial judgment, not a statistical failure rate. Inspect the service history for correct oil, timely maintenance and any diagnostic work rather than assuming a familiar badge guarantees an inexpensive ownership experience. Check cold starting, coolant level and turbocharged response, and investigate warning lights even if they disappear after a restart. Test clutch engagement and every gear, then inspect tyres, brake condition and suspension joints. Older K14 commentary may concern the earlier 0.9 engine and should not be transferred wholesale to this 1.0. The original warranty will usually have expired, making a pre-purchase inspection and a sensible repair reserve more useful than an unverified assurance of reliability.

Safety

Euro NCAP's relevant historical record is the 2017 K14 Micra assessment, with standard and optional-safety-pack configurations presented separately. It is not the 2025 electric model's record, and its expired status limits comparisons with current cars. We do not republish ratings or crash imagery. The original UK 2019 fleet list documents emergency-braking, pedestrian-recognition and lane-assistance equipment, but the actual build and warning behaviour still deserve confirmation. Do not infer the higher historical configuration simply from an advert describing a safety pack. Check child-seat installation, tyres, windscreen repairs and any assistance warnings. Individual recall status and completion require registration/VIN checks; general statements about Nissan safety are not an adequate substitute.

Technology and features

Nissan's January 2019 UK announcement specifically identifies Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard from Acenta upward on the updated infotainment system. This is a genuine year distinction: earlier navigation-equipped cars cannot simply be assumed to offer the same functions. Acenta has the seven-inch display and cruise control, while built-in navigation, parking aids and more elaborate audio depend on grade or options. Demonstrate the installed unit with your own phone and cable, including a call and navigation through the phone. Check USB ports and steering-wheel switches separately. Launch descriptions of apps and over-the-air support are not permanent service guarantees, so confirm present compatibility and remove previous owners' accounts.

Running costs

Our October 2026 price allowance is £6,000–£8,500, a dated editorial planning range rather than a live valuation. At 8,000 miles and an assumed 49 mpg, about 742 litres of petrol are required; using £1.50 per litre produces approximately £1,113. A provisional £200 tax allowance and £450–£800 for servicing, tyres and routine wear bring the annual total to roughly £1,750–£2,100. Insurance, finance, depreciation and major repairs are not included. These assumptions must be adjusted to the actual registration, local prices and driving pattern. Budget separately for any overdue service or worn clutch revealed at inspection. Sensible tyre quality is more valuable than saving a small amount on unrecognised replacements.

Advantages and disadvantages