CABIN COMFORT AND FEATURES
Changes are not only limited to the exterior, the interiors have been given several changes as a part of the makeover. The instantly noticeable change remains the `piano` finished black central console with brushed silver surrounding, contrasting the shade of mushroom-beige dashboard. Gone are the central circular vents and are replaced by restyled square vents with a double DIN CD integrated music system below them.
The side circular air-con vents however remain unchanged. Even the glossy and enhanced look does not hide the roundish air-con control cluster with amber back lit LCD display and has been carried over from the previous version. The new dashboard design does lend the interiors a premium feel with its selection of colours and textures. The CVT variant comes with the automatic style shift lever with a thumb press `sport` button (more on that later) and has two cup holders placed ahead of it.
The door pads have premium feel suede like fabric inserts on the XV trim whereas the XL has durable looking tricot mesh woven fabric. The door arm rests have silver finish power window switch surrounds adding to the upmarket look and carry small map holder pockets. The chrome door handles also add to the premium feel inside. The steering wheel with the big boss horn pad comes with audio control buttons adding to the telephony convenience.
The instrument console now has been adorned with chrome rings taking away the drab look.The 12v power outlet is stashed away in the passenger side footwell and is not particularly easy to access unlike the USB-AUX ports below the twin glove box which fall within easy reach. We would have loved a bit more assuring build quality on the top glove box which feels a bit flimsy to operate. Surprisingly the top glove box has been omitted from the lower end XL variant.
Towards the right hand side of the steering are the ORVM controls along with the headlight level adjuster knob, which feel tiny to operate, while on the left hand side we have the backlit engine start-stop button as before. The XV variant does come with auto folding ORVMs which is a thoughtful addition. The rake adjustable steering wheel is best in its upmost position, and along with the height adjustable driver side seats, makes it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel in a jiffy.
The seats offer decent support in the right places and the all-around view is reasonably good too. Paying more attention to detail, the roof handle bars miss the hanger-stop elements. Rear seat comfort is decent and is best for two adults – third passenger becomes an uncomfortable squeeze. Adjustable head restraints complete the cabin which feels airy due to the light colors and has enough headroom to accommodate and adult of average height. The legroom again is just about enough and doesn`t get intrusive unless the front seats are moved way back. The boot at 251 litres is surprisingly spacious from what the exteriors suggest. Overall, the interiors have been freshened up with small touches and have decent levels of build quality as well.
Next page for Performance and handling
Not the car, if this would be your only car!
Dealers sell many cars but you would perhaps by one for at least couple of years. My car had a breakdown last night, less than a month of delivery on 31st July 2013. The starter motor got fried with the burning smell, the on-road service recommended the car be towed away.
I am without wheels again and waiting to hear what the damage is like. But imagine the angst of a breakdown of serious kind and the feeling of being let down, when everyone around you advised caution on basis of poor feedback on service.
I would not recommend Nissan Micra CVT.