Subcompact cars are very popular in Europe. They are no less popular in our cities (especially in megacities, where there are constant problems with finding a parking space). These machines have a number of advantages. They are compact, cheap, easy to maintain and, most importantly, economical. Now on the market there are many models of auto subcompact class. However, today we will pay attention to the Japanese auto industry. So, meet - "Nissan Micra." Photo and review of the car - further in our article.
Description
So what is this car? Nissan Micra K12 is the third generation of subcompact hatchbacks from the Japanese manufacturer, presented for the first time in 2001 at the Tokyo Motor Show.
A year later, mass production of the model was started. The release lasted until 2010. The car was produced in several versions. This is a three- and five-door hatchback.
Appearance
The body design was developed by the European division of Nissan. Therefore, externally, the car is no different from European subcompacts. So, in front, the Mikra received new, oval and bulging headlights, as well as a two-piece radiator grille with a small bumper. The body is dominated by smooth, rounded shapes. A similar design is available in the Italian Fiat 500. It is worth noting that the third generation received a very progressive design. Even now, this car looks good. But she is already about 15 years old.
I must say that there are tuning lovers Nissan Micra K12. Basically, wide wheels are installed on this machine, they make a negative camber and put a screw suspension. This style of tuning is called "Stens" and it gained great popularity not only in Japan but also in Europe. An example of a tuned Nissan Micra hatchback in the photo in the article.
Such a machine will definitely stand out from the stream and attract the attention of passers-by. But the minus of this tuning is a stiff (literally furious) suspension and low clearance. Therefore, for everyday use this is not suitable for everyone.
Nissan Micra: bodywork and corrosion
Surprisingly, “Micra” perfectly tolerates our harsh winters. The body does not rust when exposed to salt reagents. However, there are complaints about the thickness of the metal. So, it is quite thin and bends even with slight contact. Owners have complaints about the quality of the paintwork. It is pretty thin. Chips on the front of the Nissan Micra K12 are by no means uncommon. What substantially rusts is the exhaust system. She does not have any processing. Therefore, when buying a car with it, this is a significant reason to bargain.
Sizes, clearance
The machine has a small size, which is not surprising. So, the body length is 3.8 meters, width - 1.67, height - 1.5 meters. At the same time, the car has a slight clearance. Its size is only 13.5 centimeters.
According to reviews, Nissan Micra K12 is difficult to use on snowy roads or dirt roads. The machine often catches the bottom. Therefore, it is advisable to use this car on smooth asphalt.
Salon
Inside the "Micra" looks quite modest. There are no leather and special decorative inserts. Salon made in a single color. For the driver - a simple three-spoke steering wheel, a mechanical seat with minimal lateral support and a simple instrument panel. On the center console is a CD radio and climate control unit. What is surprising is the organization of free space. Due to the high roof inside, it will be convenient even for tall passengers. You can also see various niches and shelves everywhere. They are under the steering wheel, on the center console, in the area of the gearshift lever and so on. The quality of the finishing materials is not bad. It is also rare that a ten-year-old car makes squeaks and extraneous noises.
The downside of this car is the quality of the steering wheel braid. The Japanese frankly saved on this. The steering wheel wears out after 60-80 thousand kilometers. There are also complaints about the durability of the windows and the ignition. In the latter case, the key can simply be wedged in the “start” position.
Trunk
He is in the "Micra" small - only 237 liters. But this is still more than the previous, second generation. Also, this volume can be expanded by folding the back of the rear seats. As a result, the trunk will grow to 584 liters. Among the problems can be identified the presence of moisture in the rear lights. Because of this, the contacts are wedged and the battery on the Nissan Micra K12 is discharged.
Specifications
Basically, gas engines are installed here. But there are diesel versions (about them a little later). The most successful, judging by the reviews, is a 1.4-liter engine. This engine has acceptable dynamics (power from 88 to 98 horsepower, depending on version), economical (consumes 6.3 liters of gas per hundred) and requires virtually no repair (Nissan Micra K12).
But what engines you should not take is a 68-liter one and a 1.2-liter engine. The first is frankly sluggish, and the second consumes as much fuel as the 1.4-liter, but the car accelerates weaker.
The lineup also has a 1.6-liter engine. It is quite powerful - it develops 110 horsepower, but consumes quite a lot of fuel. About 100 liters of gasoline go per 100 kilometers.
As for reliability, all gasoline engines have a good resource and are undemanding in repair. The timing gear is chain driven. When replacing, it is also worth adjusting the valve clearances, since there are no hydraulic compensators.
Diesel "Micra"
Nissan Micra K12 is also equipped with a diesel engine. This is a dCi motor from the French company Renault. This unit develops a capacity of 109 horsepower, has a timing belt drive and valve compensators. This motor has the lowest fuel consumption. So, for a hundred diesel Nissan Micra K12 spends 4.6 liters in mixed mode. But diesel engines are rare in Russia. These cars were not officially imported into Russia. The dCi motor is demanding on fuel quality. After 150 thousand kilometers, nozzle replacement may be required. Also on this run, an exhaust gas recirculation valve requires intervention. It is usually cut out by installing plugs and reflashing the electronic unit.
Transmission
The machine can be aggregated by two gearboxes. This is a five-speed mechanics, or a four-speed automatic. What do the reviews say about these boxes? In general, the transmission on the Mikra does not require frequent attention. If we talk about mechanics, once every 150 thousand it is necessary to replace the clutch. After 200 thousand, the third-gear synchronizer wears out and the box seals.
Automatic transmission does not require attention for 250 thousand kilometers, but subject to the timely replacement of ATP fluid. The time limit for replacing oil in an automatic box is 60 thousand kilometers. In case partial replacement is performed, this interval must be reduced by half.
Chassis
The suspension on the Nissan Micra is simple enough. So, in front is the MacPherson, in the back is a dependent beam. If the car is used in the city, frequent intervention in the chassis is not required. By the way, many spare parts fit here from Renault Clio. As for reliability, the stabilizer struts (after 50 thousand kilometers) are the first to fail. Support, wheel bearings and shock absorbers serve 100 thousand. After 110, it's time to change the front levers. The remaining suspension elements live up to 150 thousand kilometers.
How does this car behave on the go? Unfortunately, the suspension is harsh here. The machine is not very smooth. You need to enter the turns carefully, otherwise the rear part will be entered.
Nissan Micra: price
Now the third generation is not mass-produced, and therefore you can find such cars only in the secondary market. How much is Nissan Mikra now? The price starts from 210 thousand rubles for the 2002 model year. The latest versions released in 2010 can be bought for 430 thousand rubles. Interestingly, the mileage of these cars rarely exceeds 180 thousand. This car does not really roll a large mileage, so you can find a copy in quite good condition.
To summarize
So, we found out what a Nissan-Micra car is. Among the strengths of the car it is worth highlighting:
- Modern appearance.
- Maneuverability.
- Corrosion resistant body.
- Reliable and economical engines.
- Hardy suspension.
Among the minuses should be noted:
- Small trunk.
- A small clearance.
- Modest interior design.
- Weak acceleration dynamics.
But in general, Nissan Mikra is a great car for the city, which will not require a lot of money for repairs and will start in any frost. Yes, transporting large loads on it did not work. But the machine (100 percent) fulfills its task (transporting people from point A to point B). In addition, the cost of the car is very affordable.