Nissan Micra hatchback (2010-2016) - Interior & comfort

Don’t go looking at the Nissan Micra if you want a particularly attractive interior, because you’ll not find one. The interior is a mix of tough, but cheap feeling plastics, something that is just as obvious on cheap models as it is on more expensive Micras.

Nissan Micra dashboard

There are lots of interesting design features to be found inside the Nissan Micra. The centre of the dashboard is dominated by controls for the ventilation system, arranged in a circle. Acenta Connect, N-TEC and top-of-the-range Tekna models also get Nissan Connect, which adds a large touchscreen sat-nav display in the middle of the dashboard.

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However, the interior lacks the cohesive design of the Ford Fiesta or the solid build quality of the Volkswagen Polo. All models get rake adjustment for the steering wheel, although annoyingly there’s no reach adjustment and you have to go for Acenta trim or above to get a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Equipment

The latest Nissan Micra has lost the distinctive looks of the quirky original, but the current model’s grown-up design is more likely to appeal to a wider audience. The Nissan Micra is available in six trim levels: Visia, Vibe, Acenta, Acenta Connect, N-Tec and the top-spec Tekna.

The Nissan Micra Visia is fairly basic, doing without kit such as alloy wheels and front foglamps, while air-conditioning costs an extra £500. Even so, it gets front electric windows, body-coloured bumpers, USB connectivity and electronic stability control.

The Micra seems a little low-rent inside. There’s nothing wrong with the robust fit and finish, but the materials used throughout look and feel cheap. Some of the trim even has sharp edges left over from the moulding process – the glovebox lid and the internal door handles are among the worst offenders in this respect.

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The mid-range Nissan Micra Acenta models get 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors as well as chrome finishes for the interior, more safety features, automatic headlamps and rain sensors, cruise control and a speed limiter.

The N-TEC model adds rear parking sensors with a 'Parking Slot Measurement' system and some unique coloured trim pieces. The flagship model also gets a touchscreen sat-nav, automatic climate control and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, while top-of-the-range Tekna throws in suede trim and keyless start.

Options

There’s not much on the Nissan Micra options list that’s particularly expensive, but the Micra is probably best considered a budget car - not least because you’ll not recoup much of the money you spend on options.

Metallic or pearlescent paint is something you’ll likely want to choose, but it’ll cost around £500. A digital radio can be added for £200 on higher-specification models, and you can choose a range of interior and exterior styling trims in packs for between £125 and £250. You can also choose air-con for your Visia model for £500, but we’d recommend stepping up to the Acenta model because it’s only between £500 and £1,000 more expensive than a Visia with air-con added, yet comes with more equipment.