Nissan Micra: Look into your eyes
Of particular interest to the “Mikre” is caused not only by a bright appearance – the former model was the European bestseller of “Nissan”, its circulation exceeded 1.3 million units. In accordance with modern trends, the new model is noticeably stout: the height has increased by 90 mm, and the gauge – by 110 and 130 mm, surpassing the record figures of the Citroen-C3. Thanks to this, the cabin looks incredibly spacious. Judge for yourself: are there many more cars, even of more prestigious classes, in which about 170 mm of space remain above the driver’s head? And the doorway is such that even the giraffe does not have to stoop. Behind, of course, lower, but even here a couple of big men will not complain of tightness, pulling their legs to their chins.
By and large, the new “Micra”, especially with a five-door body, may well claim to be a compact van. For example, the back seat can be pushed forward 200 mm by increasing the boot volume from 237 to 371 liters. It is a pity that for the transportation of bulky goods only a split back is formed. For a week of nomadic life, I fully appreciated the well-thought-outness of numerous boxes, pockets and shelves, where small things found their places, usually with a thin layer “smeared” throughout the cabin. What are the three-story “glove box” with a sliding tray for paper-instructions-atlases or a spacious basket under the reclining passenger seat. And the back side pockets, it turns out, are ideal for two-liter plastic bottles. By the way, the interior of the “Mikry” was developed in the European design center “Nissan”, while the exterior – in Japan.
However, the functionality is not the only advantage of the salon. Almost more than conquers his impeccable design, taste, with which materials and colors are selected, the accuracy of the fitting elements – all that is called high style. Why, at least here is the climate control unit: the familiar ones are three round beams, but the side ones are like ivory-cut keys, and in the middle is the window of the liquid crystal display. However, the traditional solution of this node is preserved in simpler configurations. The only, perhaps, sign of an inexpensive class is bare metal body around the rear window.
My car in picking Acenta is packed, as they say, on the antenna itself. Electric windows and mirrors – by itself. Climate control, an audio system with six speakers and driving controls, a flight computer informing you of fuel consumption and mileage on the rest, four airbags, ABS – also not a revelation. And how do you like the B-class type rain sensor, electric power steering of variable efficiency, stabilization system, emergency braking and brake force distribution? Or, for example, an “intelligent key”: at a distance of 80 cm, “Mikra” recognizes the owner and unlocks the lock, all that remains is to press the button on the handle and open the door. The key in the key fob is only for an emergency case, the engine is started up by turning the switch in place of the usual ignition lock. Because of this cleverness, acquaintance with the car began with embarrassment – neither the doors to open nor the engine to start. Well, how to expect such “frills” from a seemingly simple car!
Do you know what impressed most about Mikre? You will never guess – while sitting behind the wheel, you can lean forward and see your own headlights! Exercise gives the greatest effect at night: then it takes some time to get used to the dark again. They said that the protruding bubbles of the lanterns make it possible to feel the dimensions better – I did not think so, because there is still a good quarter of a meter of hood and bumper in front of the headlights.
