Nissan Micra 2018 review
Overview
The fifth-generation Nissan Micra, codenamed K14, arrived in the UK in early 2017 and transformed the nameplate from a forgettable runabout into a sharp-looking supermini with genuine road presence. The 2018 car covered here pairs that grown-up styling with the volume-selling 0.9 IG-T 90 turbocharged petrol engine, a small three-cylinder unit that suits town driving while still coping happily with motorway runs.
On the road, the Micra feels light and easy to place, helped by its compact footprint and a kerb weight of just over a tonne. The turbo gives useful mid-range pull for overtaking, even though outright pace is modest by class standards, and the five-speed manual gearbox is light and straightforward to use. Ride comfort is generally good over broken town surfaces, and the cabin is noticeably quieter and better finished than the Micra that came before it.
Inside, the 2018 Micra offers a 300-litre boot, a clear touchscreen on most trims, and a strong safety story for a car of this size, with autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning fitted as standard. Rear legroom is tight for tall adults, so it works best as a car for couples, first-time drivers, or small families with younger children.
As a used buy, the 2018 Micra makes most sense in mid-range Acenta or N-Connecta trim or as a well-equipped Tekna, where the extra kit justifies the price. Check the service history, confirm any outstanding safety recalls against the VIN, and test the infotainment and suspension carefully before committing.
UK price from: £18,365
Specifications
| Engine | 0.9-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol (898cc) |
| Power | 90 PS (88 bhp) |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 2,250 rpm |
| 0-62 mph | 12.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 109 mph |
| Fuel economy (NEDC combined) | 61.4 mpg |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 104 g/km |
| WLTP restatement (Parkers current listing) | 47.1 mpg / 118 g/km |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 300 litres (1,004 litres seats folded) |
| Dimensions | 3,999 mm long x 1,743 mm wide (1,935 mm incl. mirrors) x 1,455 mm high; 2,525 mm wheelbase |
| Kerb weight | 1,083 kg |
| Fuel tank | 41 litres |
| Insurance group | Group 6 (Tekna IG-T 90) |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
| Euro NCAP rating | 5 stars (2017 test, UK-spec cars) |
Features
- Bose Personal sound system with headrest speakers (Tekna)
- NissanConnect satellite navigation with TomTom connected services
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors
- Intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian recognition
- Lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition
- Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter
- Keyless entry with push-button ignition
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (pair) | £38 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £65 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Oil filter | £9 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Air filter | £14 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Cabin pollen filter | £16 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £22 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified |
| 12V starter battery | £95 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, not catalogue-verified; stop-start cars need the correct AGM/EFB type |
Pros
- Sharp, distinctive styling that stands out in the supermini class
- Strong standard safety kit, including autonomous emergency braking
- Low insurance group and cheap servicing for a first car
- Useful 300-litre boot for a car of this size
- Punchy turbo engine that feels livelier than its modest power suggests
Cons
- Rear legroom is tight for tall adults
- Outright acceleration is leisurely at 12.1 seconds to 62 mph
- Some cabin plastics feel hard and low-rent in places
- Standard three-year warranty trails longer Kia and Hyundai cover



