Page 47 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

The Micra offers an impressive

mix of stability and comfort through

suburbia and on highways

01 02

was not quite as refined as that of to its set of grippy Bridgestone
Bose systems used in, for instance, Turanza tyres. Overall, the vehicle
Mazda’s products (this after a offers an impressive mix of stabil-
sound test with a FLAC audio file ity and comfort through suburbia
demonstrated a hint of reverb). and on highways.
In terms of perceived quality, However, the new 1,0-litre
the high-spec Micra’s cabin is engine doesn’t quite match the
right up there with the best in verve of the chassis; the 88 kW
the segment. The texture of the 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine
leather and plastics feels premi- used in the Clio GT-Line launched
um, and the fit and finish solid. back in 2017 felt far stronger, for
Interestingly, the air-conditioning instance. Although this latest
system’s minimum temperature three-cylinder unit is fairly re-

03 setting is a relatively lofty 18 de- fined, it struggles with turbo lag,
grees … not ideal on a scorching forcing the driver to rev the en-

01, 02 & 03 One of the better-looking On paper, the Bose sound day in Johannesburg. gine harder than is ideal to make
vehicles in this segment, the Micra 1,0T system is definitely the highlight Using the outgoing Renault decent progress. In addition, the
Tekna Plus adds 17-inch alloys wrapped in
205/45 rubber and piercing LED headlamps. of the package, with two Ultra- Clio’s platform as a base, the hill-start assist function feels
04 Interior perceived quality is a match for Nearfield speakers fitted to the Micra is enjoyable to pilot, while a touch intrusive, holding the
that of its main rivals and the controls are driver’s headrest. That said, it’s that new sports suspension and vehicle in place a fraction longer
easy to master. 05 Manual transmission
might hamper sales in a segment where unfortunate the front passenger the weighty electrically assisted than it needs to and occasionally
automatic transmissions have become doesn’t also enjoy this unique power steering system add a causing an awkward pull-away.
commonplace. 06 Bose sound system feature. While the speaker package degree of excitement. In terms of The B-segment is certainly bus-
features speakers fitted to the driver’s
headrest. 07 USB port well placed ahead is comprehensive, I was a bit dis- handling, the small hatch feels tling, yet it’s interesting to note
of the gearlever. appointed the delivery of the audio refreshingly enthusiastic thanks there aren’t many warm hatches
playing in this part of the market.
Nissan’s MR16DDT turbocharged
1,6-litre engine (used in the
fourth-generation Renault Clio RS)
would be the perfect powerplant
to push the Micra into this perfor-
mance territory, particularly with
a six-speed manual gearbox. This
would make a great successor to
the 1988 Nissan Micra Super Tur-
bo and put smiles on the faces of
enthusiasts. One can but dream...
Regardless of my hot hatch
fantasies, I will say this: while
the new engine isn’t quite as
perky as I had hoped, these latest
well-equipped additions to the
local Micra range do broaden its
appeal, offering further choice to
many consumers. That’s surely a
04
good thing; however, the absence
of an automatic option will likely
hamper interest, particularly when
accomplished hatches in this
segment – namely the Volkswagen
Polo and Ford Fiesta – offer capable
automatic transmissions through-
05 06 07 out the range.

CARmag.co.za CAR FEBRUARY 2020 45