Nissan Micra Active XE

Micra Active XE Review

Nissan Motor Corporation is one of the highly acclaimed passenger car manufacturer from Japan. This company has an Indian subsidiary called as Nissan India and they have introduced the upgraded version of its adorable hatchback, Nissan Micra in the country. In their launch event, the company also brought more surprise to the auto enthusiasts in the form of Nissan Micra Active model lineup. This is the low cost version of this hatchback in the company's portfolio and it is launched at a very competitive starting price of just Rs. 3.50 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The company has launched this low cost hatch in about four variants, all of which are equipped with petrol engines. Out of these, the Nissan Micra Active XE is the entry level trim in its lineup and it will lock horns with the likes of Maruti Wagon R, Ford Figo, Chevrolet Beat, and others in the highly competitive hatchback segment. This newly launched low cost versions will certainly help the company to lure budget car buyers and improve its sales in the country. This new hatch is blessed with the DOHC based 1.2-litre petrol engine, which was also under the hood of the outgoing models. On the other hand, most of its interior design and features are much identical to the previous Nissan Micra model. However, the company has made some refinements to this hatch and managed to bring down its price for the budget buyers. This could change the fortunes for the company in the Indian automobile market in the coming few years, as it is putting its focus on budget friendly four wheelers.

Exteriors:

This new hatch looks much alike the previous Nissan Micra model as it comes with the same body panel and structure. Even most of the exteriors remained to be the same as its previous model but its front bumper has received modifications. If we just start with its front facade, this affordable hatch gets a radiant headlight cluster, whose design is extracted from the outgoing model. However, it is offered with more detailing aspects which will make it more attractive. It has got a small perforated radiator grille and the stylish company logo is fixed on top of the hood, right above the radiator grille. While the new design bumper gets a large air dam, which are flanked by small air ducts for air intake. The side profile of this entry level version remains entirely same as the outgoing model but the external rear view mirrors and door handles are offered in black color. Even most of the rear design remains to be the same as the previous Nissan Micra. Customers can choose this new hatch from six variants that include Aqua Green, Blade Silver, Brick Red, Storm White, Onyx Black and Turquoise Blue.

Interiors:

The all new Nissan Micra Active XE is the base level variant which is blessed with a plush and spacious interior cabin. There is a lot of space inside its cabin which is good enough to accommodate five passengers, while providing best in class comfort features to the passengers. This version of Nissan Micra Active gets some of the noticeable features that include air conditioner with four AC vents on the dashboard, power window switches on the driver side door, premium fabric upholstery, stylish dashboard with sophisticated music system on its central console and so many others. This premium hatch has received high quality fabric upholstery covering the seats while the gear shift knob is wrapped in leather. This is hatch with great headroom, legroom and shoulder room space. Its interior cabin is offered in dual toned environment, which will bring elegance as well as sportiness to interior section. At the rear, you will get 241 litres of luggage storage space, which will help you to storage a lot of things.

Engine and performance:

The Nissan Micra Active model series is a surprise package from the Japanese auto giant and it is blessed with a DOHC based petrol engine, which is the same engine that used to be under the hood of previous Nissan Micra. Thus, this new Nissan Micra XE trim sports a 1.2-litre, 3-Cylinder, 12-Valve engine that can produce a displacing capacity of about 1198cc. This superior engine has the ability to churn out a maximum 67.1bhp at 5000rpm and makes a maximum torque of about 104Nm at 4000rpm. While the engine power is transmitted to the front wheels through an advanced five speed manual transmission gearbox. Amazingly, this engine has the ability to return a peak mileage of about 19.49 Kmpl, which is the best in its class. This will certainly lure many of the car enthusiasts who look for a fuel efficient hatch.

Braking and Handling:

The all new Nissan Micra Active XE trim is controlled by the superior braking and handling mechanism. This entry level trim is offered with ventilated disc brakes fitted to its front wheels and high performance drum brakes fitted to its rear wheels. While its body can be perfectly balanced by the superior suspension system in the form of McPherson strut type and Torsion beam type fitted to the front and rear axles. On the other hand, you can gain full control over this hatch with the help of electric power assisted steering system which is very responsive and helps you to drive through heavy traffic.

Safety Features:

This is the entry level trim in the segment and it blessed by some decent set of safety features. However, not many advanced features are incorporated to this hatch as it is the base version. Its list of safety features include an engine immobilizer system, a key remove warning indicator, a headlight on warning indicator, a low fuel level warning indicator and follow me home lamps along with a few other such aspects. These features are good and takes care of the passengers inside the cabin.

Comfort Features:

There are some quite attractive set of comfort features incorporated in this model which provides pleasant feel inside. The list of those comfort features include a manually adjustable air conditioner with four AC vents on the dashboard, an electric power assisted rack and pinion steering system with tilt function, a semi drive computer system and set of other advanced features. The seats inside this version of hatch are fully covered in premium fabric upholstery, which makes the interiors plush and elegant.

Pros: Good looking, engine performance is good, attractive mileage.
Cons: Interior design could be better, not-so-impressive features.