The Micra is a light-hearted alternative in the light-car category

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Price and equipment

• Three Half Star

The Micra's $14,990 starting price is a good $1000 or so below the established five-door mark, and looks even better given that it comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. Of course, that's assuming you want one.
Standard equipment, in contrast, is thoroughly typical, consisting of remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors, 12-volt outlet and little else. But the CD player is MP3-compatible and has an auxiliary jack for iPods and the like.
You can also add 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player and extra safety features in a single option pack that costs $1700 - not a bad move, as the Nissan costs barely more than skimpier-clad rivals even with the extra gear.
Under the bonnet

• Two Half Star

The Micra's 1.4-litre, 16-valve four-cylinder is smaller than most but its 72 kW power and 137 Nm torque peaks are competitive with bigger-engine rivals. It also has just 965 kilograms to lug around, less even than Mazda's lightweight 2.
While performance falls a long way short of neck-snapping, the Micra steps off the line smartly and sprints respectably. No complaints, either, about the four-speed auto, which shifts smoothly and is rarely caught in the wrong gear around town.
The Nissan, though, is less at home on the open road. It cruises comfortably but it doesn't take much of an incline to knock the stuffing out of forward progress and send the transmission hunting between third and top gears.
The engine, too, is noticeably boomy when extended.
Fuel economy, meanwhile, is a tad mediocre, with our Micra averaging a disappointing 8.4 L/100 km when tested, well behind Nissan's 6.8 L claim.

How it drives

• Three Half Star

The first surprise is how comfortable the Micra is on the roll. Small and large urban irregularities are handled with quiet aplomb, and it's no less composed over lumpy rural tarmac. It even feels happy on coarse surfaces of dirt and gravel.
Don't expect a lot of peace and quiet, however, as wind, tyre and mechanical noise all become quite intrusive at highway speeds. But in the comfortable driver's seat, with its captain's armrest, one isn't inclined to make a hasty escape, either.
The Nissan also shows its breeding in the way it drives. Point it at a bend and it tracks through obediently and predictably. Push too hard and increasing front-end push and body roll let you know the limits are being approached, but never in a rude or unmanageable manner. Textbook small-car handling, albeit without the tactility and flair of Mazda's 2.

Comfort and practicality

• Three Star

Even with the driver's seat set for a six-foot frame, there is sufficient foot, knee and legroom for a similarly sized adult in the back. In light of the Micra's diminutive frame, that's impressive.
The price to be paid, though, is boot space. It's OK for light shopping expeditions but the lack of length prohibits bigger items unless you're prepared to fold the back seat. The bench's rearward positioning also puts passengers that much closer to the danger zone in a big rear-end accident.
No such problems at the front.
A plush, supportive seat with a handy flip-down armrest balances the lack of steering reach adjustment, while the upright driving position leaves enough space for all but the tallest drivers.
Backing up the good comfort are the visuals. Not everyone will like the chocolate colour theme complemented by plenty of textured surfaces and cool bakelite-coloured switches but it's a welcome contrast to the usual boring greys. Everything is neatly styled and nicely put together.

Safety

• Three Star

The Micra's complement of twin front airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist is competitive and can be bolstered by the option pack's side/curtain airbags.
Not so good is the lack of stability control, which can't be bought at any price. The Nissan also loses points for having only a lap seatbelt - rather than the safer lap/sash alternative - for the centre-rear seat.

Overall verdict

• Three Star

Add up the points in the various departments and it's clear that the Micra, despite a big dollop of flair and emotional appeal, falls short of resetting light-car standards.
One obvious area is safety.
While we can understand the inclusion of stability control is still rare at this category, the lap-only centre-rear seatbelt is unforgiveable in 2008.
Ultimately, though, you're looking at a package that is good but not amazing. Many buyers will be tempted by the looks, comfort and value but I'd be spending my money elsewhere.