Page 46 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

drive

NISSAN MICRA 1,0T TEKNA PLUS ETA: NOW WHERE WE
Marching to the DROVE IT

sound of the beat

The Micra range has been expanded to attract Johannesburg
buyers looking for more luxury and punch

By: Nikesh Kooverjee NikeshKooverjee
*Claimed figures

Price: R336 900 Engine: 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: six-speed manual Power: 84 kW @ 5 150 r/min Torque: 180 N.m @ 1 750-4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 9,9 seconds* Top speed: 195 km/h* Fuel cons: 5,0 L/100 km* CO : 115 g/km Rivals: Ford Fiesta 1,0T Titanium; VW Polo 1,0 TSI 85 kW Highline
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+ impressive standard features; dynamic chassis underpowered engine; no automatic option

ooking for a B-segment has expanded its Micra line-up to represent fair increases over the new derivatives feature sports
hatchback? Well, right now accommodate those yearning for a 66 kW and 140 N.m offered by the suspension, lowering the ride
L you’re positively spoilt for touch more zest and luxury. 898 cm unit fitted to models lower height by 10 mm.
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choice. In years gone by, C-segment The three new variants in the range. After sampling the flagship
five-doors seemed to be the go-to (Acenta Plus, Tekna and Tekna The new engine sends its oomph Tekna Plus, I was impressed by
purchases but that’s no longer Plus) employ the Renault-Nis- to the front wheels by means of the number of standard features.
the case, thanks in part to the san-Mitsubishi Alliance’s turbo- a six-speed manual gearbox as Luxuries such as LED headlamps,
continued rise of the crossover. Yet, charged 1,0-litre three-cylinder standard. Demand for an automatic keyless entry, 360-degree parking
smaller offerings such as Volkswa- petrol engine delivering 84 kW transmission in this segment is cameras, leather upholstery, blind-
gen’s Polo are seemingly as popular and 180 N.m of torque (with an increasing and Nissan SA has con- spot monitoring and a Bose Person-
as ever in South Africa. In a bid to additional 20 N.m on tap via an firmed it is working on a self-shift- al sound system create a genuine
take advantage of this, Nissan SA overboost feature). Those figures ing option for this powertrain. The premium experience.

44 CAR FEBRUARY 2020 CARmag.co.za