Kabelo Rabotho, Nissan's marketing director, led the product briefing and explained all the ins and outs of the updated, sportier version of the Nissan Micra.
We kicked off with a mini gymkhana – dodging cones, circling trees, and doing various parking exercises against a timer - to test the tenacity and agility of this cute little jelly bean with wheels (as my friend Calvin Fisher dubbed it). I was impressed - what a quirky, easy-to-handle little hatch. I even managed to complete the course without killing any cones in the process.
From there we headed to the streets of Soweto to take some snaps at a couple of iconic stops along the way but, moreover, to give the 1.2-litre petrol engine (that produces 56kW and 104Nm) a proper go.
Positioned as a lower B-segment hatch, the Nissan Micra Active has three main elements as its unique proposition: design, drivability, and affordability. It slots in between the Datsun Go and the new Nissan Micra (set to launch March 2018).
Says Xavier Gobille, Nissan Group of Africa’s managing director of marketing and sales: “One of our priorities at Nissan is to build vehicles that offer attractive features at a competitive price. We believe the new Nissan Micra Active with its significant enhancements sets new standards in the lower B hatchback segment.”
According to Nissan, the Micra Active is perfect for the youthful, energetic, and ambitious customer. It has therefore ensured that customers will find what they need in its range of accessories that were specifically designed and manufactured to give customers peace of mind while allowing them to express themselves.
The bonnet, front fenders, headlamps, and front and rear bumpers have a refreshed, modern look. The grille has been redesigned to host the circular badge in a chrome-extended V-shaped motif. The Trendsetter Pack has black alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust finish, a rear spoiler, and mudguards.
The centre cluster has also been redesigned and the instrument panel has been refreshed. The Micra Active has manual air-conditioning, front power windows, Bluetooth with audio streaming capability, a 12V power socket, steering wheel adjustment and foldable rear seats.
And let's not forget ABS, EBD, and brake assist, driver and passenger airbags, ISOfix child seat anchorage in the second row, rear headrests, rear fog lights, a high mounted stop light, remote central locking, speed sensitive auto door lock, and an immobiliser.
It comes with a price tag of R159,900 and includes a three-year/90,000km service plan and a six-year/150,000km warranty. For the launch period, customers will also get the touch-screen navigation and an infotainment system (which is actually an added accessory) mahala. That's right. The system comes with TomTom mapping with live traffic; Bluetooth hands-free music streaming; USB input; a built-in music hard drive and it’s compatible with all iPhone/iPod models.
The Micra Active is sort of like the youngest child in a way - super cute but with some serious attitude. An easy, yet exciting ride for those who're on the hunt for fun.
Hold on to your hats for the fifth generation Micra set to launch early next year. I'm excited...
