Nissan Micra hatchback (2016-2022) review - MPG, running costs & CO2
Generally inexpensive to run, but economy and emissions could be better
The Nissan Micra has earned a reputation as an easy-to-own car that’s cheap to run, hence its popularity with driving schools, where it has to return a decent profit margin as well as being easy to drive. Nissan would have a riot on its hands if the new car failed to live up to its predecessor’s thriftiness. Fortunately, we don’t think it needs to send the troops in just yet.
The latest Micra uses economical engines with comparably low emissions ratings. Keeping the car fuelled, taxed and maintained should be relatively painless financially, so this is a high-scoring round for the Micra.
Nissan Micra MPG & CO2
Currently, the only engine available is a 1.0-litre petrol engine, offered with either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. It can return up to 53.3mpg with a manual gearbox, or up to 47.1mpg with the more expensive automatic option. Manual versions emit 121g/km of CO2 and sit in a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind tax band for company-car drivers, while the automatic Micra emits more CO2 giving it a higher tax banding.
The petrol engine, badged ‘IG-T 92’, replaces the slightly more powerful ‘IG-T 100’ engine and is a little more economical. Previously, a more powerful 115bhp ‘IG-T 117’ engine was available; this returns economy figures of 47.9mpg and 133g/km.
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The cheapest entry-level 70bhp petrol engine has also been discontinued from the Micra range. While this engine struggled to match the economy figures of the turbocharged version and felt underpowered, it was very cheap to insure - so it may be worth hunting out a used model if low premiums are a priority.
Those who want the 1.5-litre diesel will also have to turn to the second-hand market, as Nissan has confirmed that the Micra will only be available with petrol engines ‘for the foreseeable future.’ The diesel engine returned 52.3mpg on models with stop-start technology - barely better than the petrol engines, which are much less expensive to buy and insure.
Nissan has confirmed that the next-generation Micra will be a retro-styled electric car when it launches in 2024.
Every Nissan Micra will cost the standard rate per year for road tax.
Insurance group
It’s a slight shame that the 70bhp ‘IG 71’ 1.0-litre engine isn’t currently on sale, as this engine occupied the lowest insurance group of all - group one. The now-entry-level 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol falls into groups 8-9, while the more powerful 115bhp engine shouldn’t be too costly as it sits in group 11. For comparison, the Ford Fiesta occupies groups 5-15, so the Micra should cost a little less to insure.
Warranty
One area in which Nissan does show a little complacency is its warranty. It’s a three-year/ 60,000-mile policy – fair enough, but beaten soundly by certain rivals. Hyundai and Kia offer five-year/unlimited-mileage and seven-year/100,000-mile policies respectively, and it’s not just the South Korean marques that are generous with their warranties.
Toyota is just as Japanese as Nissan and it offers a warranty spanning up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Even Renault, Nissan’s group partner, offers a five-year period of cover. At least Nissan offers owners the opportunity to extend their warranty beyond its original end date at extra cost – although some claim exclusions can apply.
Servicing
The Nissan Micra has always been the kind of car that becomes regarded as a household appliance. It just sits there quietly until called to perform and as such it needs to be cheap and convenient to maintain. That should be the case with the latest model, which needs just a service every year. For specific information on servicing costs, consult your Nissan dealer.
