Micra Trims and Features

At $9,998, Nissan’s all-new Micra is the lowest-priced car in Canada.

But that’s for the base model only, which means manual everything, and looks like this.

1 – manual transmission *
2 – manual mirror controls
3 – manual windows
4 – no screen
5 – no steering wheel controls

* in the base model trim, add an automatic transmission for $3,300, which also includes A/C, cruise control, and steering wheel controls.

(I’d learn to shift gears for that much, especially because a manual will provide a peppier performance every time, as well as make you a more engaged, and therefore safer, driver (see this Keri on Driving column for how-to instructions)).

As both a minimalist, and one who eye-rolls at all these new features, I think this is great.

See? Nice and simple, no fuss.  It’s a car-car.

Despite being a sub-compact car, it’s interior volume is plentiful, and will easily fit 4 large humans, without their heads scraping the ceiling.

It’s a good-sized trunk, and the seats split 60/40, the key to moving large cargo.

The price escalates when you start adding features, but even after you option up to a higher trim-level, the total cost is still lower than its competitors.

A $13,698, a manual SV model is the best-priced car in the country equipped with USB, Bluetooth and air conditioning.

Below are all the features and trims, and here’s the list on Nissan.ca.

(trims can be confusing, it’s kind’ve like learning a new language. So if you’re stuck email me, and I’ll translate for you.)

If you’d like a screen:

You must buy at a minimum the 2nd trim, SV, then add the Convenience Package +$500.

This adds a 4.3″ colour screen, a rearview camera, and USB connectivity.

The difference looks like this.

Oh Micra, how are you so well priced…

This was taken back in February, at Nissan’s dinner and announcement of the Micra’s price. That’s Didier, Nissan’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications.

I asked him how they’re able to do it:

Keri: Are you guys wizards?
Didier: Nope. It’s because we buy in such large bulk for both Nissan and Renault, that we can pass on the savings to the consumer.

***

Blog tag = Micra

 

 

A Unique Way to Pay for a New Micra

Called the Micra Opportunity Program, it’s the first of its kind in Canada.

The Micra Opportunity Program makes it easy for buyers to make payments on time, while establishing or improving credit. No previous automotive finance or lease credit history is required and all applicants will be considered regardless of credit bureau history.

Basically: if your credit rating is garbage, Nissan will still help you.

Also, this is also a good way to establish and build a strong credit rating (mine is 800 mwah).

While I strongly believe that, “if I can’t pay cash, I probably shouldn’t be buying it”, a car is a bit different, since it’s often the 2nd largest purchase you’ll ever make.

Or if you’d prefer to lease, here’s how the Micra stacks up against its competitors.

 

 

Driving the All-new Micra in Montreal

2015 Nissan Micra
Starting at – $9,998
Fully loaded – $15,748

It’s a 1.6 L four-cylinder, outputting 109 hp and 107 lb-ft. Choose between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

I tested the little guy through downtown Montreal, then out to the countryside and back.

My driving partner for this trip was [redacted].

Me: but I blog all my driving partners?!
Them: I’d rather stay anonymous Keri, I don’t Tweet, FB, I prefer an air of mystery.
Me: ahhh kk, will absolutely help that! You’re talking to someone who got Google to acknowledge my name is ‘Blog’.

Too bad though, because we had a lot of fun. I almost bit the steering wheel a few times from laughing, from jacknifing… “oh I drove my Solstice too faaaaast.”

So much fun that an extra 80 km was added to the test, because we got so lost. Mostly my fault, it usually is #ForeverLost

Which means we barely made it to the track on time.

The arrows are pointing at its turning radius, 4.6 m.

That’s the second smallest out there, but only by 0.01m, so let’s call that the smallest turning radius available.

That doesn’t mean the car feels twitchy on the highway, which sometimes can happen. Quite opposite actually, the Micra drives like a larger car. It absorbs the bumps well and provides a smooth ride.

And a peppy one. Especially when pared with the 5-speed manual, this little guy had no problem keeping up on the highway, or out-manourvering those aggressive French downtown drivers. And it doesn’t do it with a whiny, noisy engine, as some of its competitors do; it’s a rather quiet cabin.

This is a good city car, and a great first car.

It’s little enough to fit anywhere in a busy downtown, but the interior is surprisingly cavernous, and four big humans will fit without smashing the tops of their heads.

And with its claim to fame as Canada’s best-priced car $9,998, expect to see these cars everywhere.

More blog posts to come this week, about the features, financing program, it’s unique Canadian traits, and more.

Until then, here’s Nissan’s official video from the launch.

Look for me at 2:40.

And here’s a video I made.

 

Living on a Racetrack this Weekend

Neat eh!

Arrived about 5pm after work was done, and traffic was conquered. Half of which was in the Nissan Juke, NISMO edition; shift up shift down whooooot goes the boost.

Gone to opposite ends of the spectrum this week – 2 days ago I was Montreal, staying at the W Hotel and testing my shooting skills against that NHL guy, and now here I am with my boots on in a trailer, half done my first beer, watching two lunatics start a fire using 5 gallon gas can.

This is NASCAR.

After I hit publish that is IT; no more work till Tuesday, have a great long weekend too xo