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.

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Blog tag = Micra