Hoot Car Guides Nissan MicraNissan, and Japanese car makers in general, have an excellent reputation for the reliability and build quality of their cars - and in the UK this is due in no small part to the success of the Micra. Launched in 1982 as a successor to the Nissan Cherry, the Micra is as much a part of the furniture on British roads as that similarly long-running supermini; the Ford Fiesta. Since then, it has been through just two significant revisions, in 1992 and 2002. Going on precedent, therefore, the '02 Micra might be with us for another five years before its decade of service is done. But that's not to say it will have outstayed its welcome. Responsive steering, a much-improved safety record and the promise of cheap running costs like Nissan car insurance will keep it fresh-faced and desirable long into the foreseeable future. The Nissan Micra at first glance
Styling is one of several features that sets the Micra apart from its European cousins. Variously described as 'frog-like' and 'bubble-like', the contoured body of the '02 model resembles the offspring of VW Beetle and a London taxicab.
This quirky physique, coupled with controls so bold and clear they might have been designed by Fisher-Price, makes the Micra seem destined to be driven by the nervous and inexperienced. In reality, however, the car enjoys a very diverse ownership. What's it like to drive?
The car handles sweetly enough, but it can't compete with class leaders like the Fiesta. The light and very sensitive steering is great for parking and tight bends in town, but it lacks the necessary conviction for fluid cornering or a firm grip on the road.
Nissan's engines don't sound so overworked as those in the other superminis, but they sure sound loud in the poorly-isolated cabin. If you don't mind the noise, however, the Micra actually feels more sure of itself at high speeds - an odd situation given that it's marketed as a city car. Space and seating
The two front seats are accommodatingly spacious, but the Micra's sloping roof gets the better of even moderately tall passengers in the back. And the rear seats themselves - which are cleverly designed to slide up towards the driver for extra boot capacity and back towards the boot for extra leg room - don't really make up for this, or make much of a difference in what remains a fairly cramped loading space.
At the wheel, driving position and visibility are both excellent, though the limited adjustability of the Micra's somewhat stiff-backed seats can make for an uncomfortable journey. Safety features
The original Micra had a terrible reputation for safety, but the '02 model scored a respectable 4 stars in Euro NCAP testing. Front and side airbags are fitted as standard on all new Micras, as are seatbelt pretensioners (which tighten the belt around you at the moment of impact,
before your body has a chance to jerk forward).
Price and running costs
Low running costs have always been a big selling point for the Micra, thanks to a brace of extremely efficient and reliable engines (currently available configurations are a 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.6 litre petrol-fuelled, and a 1.5 litre diesel). Tax and car insurance bills in particular are likely to be low across the range. On top of that, the Micra's all-round high build quality means mechanical failure and the associated repair work are kept to a minimum.
Given the its good safety rating and a generous package of extras, the Micra is reasonably priced at £7,895 to £13,145. Buying secondhand
Used Micras hold their value well for as long as they're the 'current' model, but prices tend to crash thereafter. That means the second generation Micra can now be had for a bargain, and a well-looked-after specimen is a terrific investment.
Not very inspiring looks are perhaps its worst feature, but in most other respects the '92 Micra performs admirably, particularly in its later model years (a few minor design changes in 2000 made the car noticeably more refined). And of course, that remarkable engine means it'll run as sweetly today as it did when it was brand new. Looking for Nissan car insurance?
If you want to maximise on the cheap car insurance potential of a Nissan Micra, you owe it to yourself to try Hoot Car Insurance Services for a quote.
Our prices lead the market because we avoid expensive advertising and high street rental charges. Thus while other online car insurance firms might claim to offer cheaper car insurance, Hoot is the one that really delivers. So for a Nissan car insurance quote that'll put the rest to shame, just click below. 
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