This is probably the biggest question we can raise right after the Japanese automaker unveiled their 5th-generation supermini at this year’s Paris Auto Show.
Unlike past models, the new Micra looks sharp and it’s certainly not lacking any active safety features that its rivals might have been able to hold over its head.
Its interior also represents a complete departure from what we saw on the previous version, and let’s face it, that one was a bit too plasticky regardless of where you felt it up.
Of course we did have a sense of what the new Micra was going to look like thanks to the Sway concept Nissan brought to Geneva last year, plus company CEO Carlos Ghost did say that the 5th-gen model would be revolutionary and would eventually raise expectations for the entire segment.
Still, we are talking about Europe’s ultra-competitive B-segment in Europe, where the likes of the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris, Skoda Fabia, Citroen C3, Seat Ibiza, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 and even the Dacia Sandero make for a very crowded atmosphere.
The Micra does have a few aces up its sleeves that should separate it, at least on paper, from most of its competitors. We’re talking about safety features like lane departure prevention, intelligent emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist and blind spot warning. We should also mention how its 7″ color touchscreen display helps drivers access not just the sat-nav and audio system but also Siri through voice control via Apple CarPlay – and that’s something you don’t currently get in most B-segment cars.
Would then the 2017 Micra be your supermini of choice or would you still rather have one of its previously mentioned rivals?
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