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<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

MICRA

<p>The Nissan Micra is a hugely capable, well made and good value hatchback</p>


Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 2003 - 2010

<p>Even the thirstiest Micra (the 1.6) is good for more than 40mpg, so you won't have to worry about fuel costs. The 1.4s give mid-40s and our favourite 1.2 is knocking on the door of 50mpg. The diesels, meanwhile, smash the door down and go all the way past 60mpg.</p>

<p>Servicing isn't cheap, though. A <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> costs about the same, but a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/206/hatchback/used-review/n535">Peugeot 206</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> - to name a few - are all cheaper to maintain.</p>

<p>Buy a two- or three-year-old Micra and value loss won't be a headache, either. However, take care not to pay some of the optimistic prices being asked for nearly new examples or you'll be hit in the pocket when you sell your car on later.</p>

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The Nissan Micra is a hugely capable, well made and good value hatchback

<p>The 80bhp 1.2-litre petrol five-door is best for its blend of willing performance and strong fuel economy. The 1.4 petrol is fractionally quicker and fractionally thirstier, but if you want the ultimate performance, there's also a 108bhp 1.6 petrol, which is as fast as it gets in Micraland. We'd pass on the 64bhp 1.2 - it feels noticeably slower than the 80bhp version, but its fuel economy is barely any better.</p>

<p>There's also a 64bhp 1.5 dCi diesel, which is very frugal and ideal for those who live life at a very slow pace. If you simply must have a diesel engine, the 81bhp 1.5 dCi is the better choice. It dishes out more pace, but delivers the same fuel economy.</p>

<p>All Micras are kitted out with comfort and safety in mind. Twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes, power steering, electric front windows, a single-slot CD player and remote locking are standard on all. We'd go for SE spec for its air-con.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.</p>

Small

<p>The Micra is generally strong and bolted together very soundly. However, a few weaknesses have started to emerge. The most common are batteries that suddenly go flat, which can be caused by a number of electronic glitches - very often the immobiliser or software problems with the keyless entry system - and should be fixable (or, hopefully, already fixed) under Nissan's three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.</p>

<p>Some diesels have been known to suffer from turbo trouble - sometimes it's the bearings, but occasionally they just blow up. If the turbo has been replaced (again under warranty) check the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve has also been replaced. If not, another turbo failure may not be too far off.</p>

<p>Rear hatches can leak and a few cars suffer from a clonk on full lock, caused by misaligned suspension. It's rare, but dealers are aware of it and should sort it. Finally, the cables that adjust the seat can be problematic, too.</p>

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<p>You'll struggle to find a friendlier town car than the Nissan Micra. The large glass area gives superb all-round visibility, and the steering and other controls are light. Catching gaps in traffic is a doddle, too, because the engines (apart from the 65bhp 1.5 dCi diesel) are eager and zippy. They're also pretty easy on fuel.</p>

<p>Out of town, it's not so good, though. That light steering is short of feel in bends, and the Micra's handling is far from the best in its class. However, it's at least safe and predictable, and the firm ride improves at speed. Even so, there's too much mechanical noise and road roar at motorway speeds.</p>

<p>Accommodation is better in the front than the back, with an excellent driving position, despite the limited adjustment, and ample space. In the back, though, the sloping roof cuts the headroom, and the boot could be bigger, although a sliding rear bench lets you shift the balance between rear legroom and luggage space.</p>

<p>All models are well equipped, especially with safety kit.</p>

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Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 2003 - 2010 reliability

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Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 2003 - 2010 review

The Micra is generally strong and bolted together very soundly. However, a few weaknesses have started to emerge. The most common are batteries that suddenly go flat, which can be caused by a number of electronic glitches - very often the immobiliser or software problems with the keyless entry system - and should be fixable (or, hopefully, already fixed) under Nissan's three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.,Some diesels have been known to suffer from turbo trouble - sometimes it's the bearings, but occasionally they just blow up. If the turbo has been replaced (again under warranty) check the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve has also been replaced. If not, another turbo failure may not be too far off.,Rear hatches can leak and a few cars suffer from a clonk on full lock, caused by misaligned suspension. It's rare, but dealers are aware of it and should sort it. Finally, the cables that adjust the seat can be problematic, too. 

What to look for when buying a Nissan Micra 2003 - 2010, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Nissan Micra Hatchback 2003 - 2010 reliability

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