- Willing 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine
- Spacious interior for front occupants
- Light steering and small turning circle
- Neither ride nor handling are particularly good
- For Micra ST, steering wheel lacks reach adjustment
- For manual transmission, shift action is notchy and lacks precision
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Underwhelming interior
Review: Nissan K13.I Micra (2010-13)
Overview
Released in December 2010, the Nissan K13 Series I (K13.I) Micra was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Purwakarta, Indonesia, the front-wheel drive Micra was initially available with either a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine (for the entry-level ST variant), or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine (for the ST-L and range-topping Ti); transmission options consisted of a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic.
Compared to the K12 Micra , the K13 Micra was 61 mm longer (at 3780 mm), 5 mm wider (1665 mm), 10 mm lower (1525 mm) and had a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2435 mm). Furthermore, the Micra had a coefficient of drag of 0.32 Cd and cargo capacity of 213 litres with the rear seats in place.
The K13 Micra had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Engine | Variant | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2-litre petrol I3 (HR12DE) |
ST | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
2010-13 | 56 kW at 6000 rpm | 100 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 1.5-litre petrol I4 (HR15DE) |
ST-L, Ti |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
2010-13 | 75 kW at 6000 rpm | 136 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the K13 Micra included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , a 2010 Micra received a four star safety rating which included an 84 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact, structures in the dashboard posed a risk of injury to occupants of different sizes and, for those who sat in different positions, protection for the knee/femur/pelvis region was marginal. In the side impact test, protection was rated as fair. In the pole test, rib deflection readings indicated marginal chest protection. Protection of the neck against whiplash injuries due to a rear-end collision was rated as marginal.
In July 2011, production changes were introduced for Australian-delivered models. In ANCAP crash testing , these post-July 2011 models received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.11 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the front occupants and a moderate risk of foot injury for the driver due to pedal movement. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
Features: Micra ST, ST-L and Ti
Standard features for the Micra ST included 14-inch steel wheels with 165/70 R14 tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, front power windows, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, cargo cover, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.
The Micra ST-L was further equipped with 15-inch steel wheels with 175/60 R15 tyres, automatic headlights and rear power windows. Beyond this, the Ti added 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a proximity key, push-button start and power folding mirrors.
Brochure and Specifications
Review: Nissan K13.II Micra (2013-15)
Overview
Released in January 2013, the K13 Series II (K13.II) Micra was manufactured in Chennai, India, and introduced a revised range as the 1.2-litre engine was made standard across the range. Furthermore, all variants were fitted with new seats and rear arm rests.
| Engine | Variant | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2-litre petrol I3 (HR12DE) |
ST, ST-L |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
56 kW at 6000 rpm | 100 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Ti | 4sp auto |
Features
Compared to its K13.I predecessor, standard functions for the K13.II Micra were extended to include automatic headlights, while ST-L variants gained 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a rear spoiler and driver’s armrest; the Ti was also fitted with a rear spoiler.
2013 Micra Plus Special Edition
In April 2013, a limited-run Plus Special Edition was released. Compared to the ST-L variant, the Plus Special Edition was solely available with an automatic transmission and included rear parking sensors and an Apple iPad Mini (with case and auxiliary cable).
Brochure
Related links
- Specifications: Nissan K13.II Micra (May 2013)
- Nissan News: Nissan Packs More Innovation And Excitement Into 2013 Micra (January 2013)
Review: Nissan K13.III Micra (2015-16)
Overview
Released in Australia in April 2015, the K13 Series III (K13.III) Micra introduced a revised range as the ST-L variants were omitted.
Visually, the K13.III Micra could be identified by its new grille with a chrome V-shaped motif, bonnet, headlights and front bumper. At the rear, there was a redesigned bumper and, for Ti variants, LED tail-lights. Inside, the K13.III Micra had a new centre cluster, instrumentation and seat trim.
| Engine | Variant | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2-litre petrol I3 (HR12DE) |
ST | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
56 kW at 6000 rpm | 100 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Ti | 4sp auto |
Features
Standard features for the K13.III Micra ST were extended to include cruise control, Bluetooth audio streaming and USB connectivity.
The Micra Ti gained a 5.8-inch touch screen with satellite navigation, rear view camera and upgraded cloth trim.
Specifications
Related links
