Nissan Micra 2012-2017 XL

Micra 2012-2017 XL Review

Nissan, one of the most popular passenger car manufacturer from Japan has introduced the 2013 version of Nissan Micra with a brand new look. This facelifted version of Nissan Micra look completely different from its previous model but the body structure remains to be the same. The front facade of this version of Nissan Micra gets a complete changeover with aggressive and macho kind of a structure. This will certainly lure the many number of car enthusiasts in the Indian auto market. This premium hatch received cosmetic updates to its rear and to its side profile as well. The company has launched this vehicle in overall seven variants out of which three variants will host 1.2-litre petrol engine while the rest of them are blessed with 1.5-litre diesel engine. The company hasn't made any changes to the technicalities of this hatch but it has added some extra set of features, which will improve the level of comfort and convenience inside. This time around, the company also introduced an automatic version of Nissan Micra in XV series, which seems to be the only technical update. Nissan Micra XL is the entry level petrol variant available in its series and it is blessed with some decent set of features inside.

Exteriors:

This Nissan Micra Facelifted version gets major cosmetic updates to its exteriors. The company kept the body panel same as its previous version but major changes have been given to the design of its exteriors. If you just take a close look at Nissan Micra XL petrol entry level trim, you can notice that this facelifted version lost its feminine looks while receiving aggressive looks, especially to its front facade. Its front facade gets a new style perforated radiator grille with stylish company logo incorporated in the middle, which is surrounded by V shaped chrome strip. The design of the headlamps is very aggressive with arrow shape, which is further equipped with indicators. While its gets an aggressive and sporty new design with large air dam . There is a provision for incorporating fog lamps to the sporty bumper. When it comes to the rear part, its design seem to be much identical to the previous model but the new sporty design bumper brings a refreshing new look. The design of the tail lamps remains to be the same but it is incorporated with LED lights. It also got a high mount stop lamps on top of the rear wind shield while the stylish company logo has been fitted on to the boot with chrome garnish. The side profile looks a bit different because of the new design head lamps. It gets a body colored external rear view mirrors and door handles. Nissan Micra XL trim gets a 14 inch steel wheels fitted to its wheel arches while side indicator blinker is placed above the arches.

Interiors:

The interiors of this facelifted Nissan Micra get a new color scheme that brings a fresh new look inside. Its interior is very spacious and provides better seating arrangement for at least 5 passengers. The seats are wide and are covered in premium fabric upholstery. Despite being the base variant, the facelifted Nissan Micra XL petrol trim gets a set of features that include bottle holders (2 nos), cup holders (3 nos), stylish speedometer with chrome finish, chrome garnished parking brake, digital clock, adjustable front and rear headrest, vanity mirror, and so on. The inside door handle also gets a chrome garnish, which makes the interiors to look rich better than any other car of its class. This hatch gets a boot space of about 251 litres while the fuel storage capacity is about 41 litres. The company has added few additional features inside this facelifted version of Nissan Micra, which will be exciting for the new customers. There is no doubt with such great features, 2013 Nissan Micra will perform well for the company in Indian auto market.

Engine and Performance:

The 2013 version of the Nissan Micra XL is offered with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine which used to perform duties for the outgoing models. The company hasn't made any modifications to its engine technicalities. This entry level trim is offered with 1.2-litre, 12-valve, 3-cylinder, DOHC based petrol engine, which is producing displacing capacity of about 1198cc. This engine can churn out a maximum 74.48bhp of maximum power at 6000rpm and makes 104Nm at 4000rpm which is transmitted to the front wheel through a five speed manual transmission gearbox. On the other hand, it can deliver a peak mileage of about 18.44 Kmpl, which is quite attractive.

Braking and Handling:

The facelifted Nissan Micra gets the conventional braking and handling mechanism, which is very efficient and highly reliable. The front wheel of Nissan Micra is fitted with a reliable ventilated disc brakes while its rear wheel is fitted with highly efficient drum brakes . Its highly responsive power steering system makes it very simple to drive in city traffic and during parking. On the other hand its incredible suspension system makes it a lot easier to handle the car even on bumpy road. Its front axle is bestowed with McPherson strut type of suspension while the rear axle is fitted with torsion beam type of suspension, which absorbs jerks and provides better ride comforts to the passengers inside.

Safety Features:

This 2013 Nissan Micra XL is the entry level, which gets some of the basic and standard safety features incorporated. Its safety features include central door locking, speed sensing auto door lock, driver SRS air bag, engine immobilizer , driver seatbelt warning indicator, dual horn, door ajar warning indicator, key remove warning indicator and many more. Despite being the base variant, the facelifted Nissan Micra XL gets top class feature incorporated, which is impressive.

Comfort Features:

The Japanese automaker has designed the facelifted Nissan Micra with a blend of top class comfort features inside it. This will assure ultimate comfort level to all the occupants inside this hatch. Its features include a very responsive power steering system with tilt function, tachometer, rear parcel shelf, drive computer, rear window defroster , power windows with driver side auto down and anti-pinch function, key less entry, manual air conditioner, passenger side vanity mirror and several others. Nissan Micra XL is the base variant but still it gets most of the features like its top end variant.

Pros: Great features, spacious interiors, amazing exteriors.
Cons: Mileage should be better, price could be bit more competitive.