Is the 2017 Nissan Micra Better Than the VW Polo?

Styling is a subjective thing, and while the new Micra looked like the sharpest tool in Paris a few months ago, we're not so sure anymore. In this gray color with metallic accents, it's a bit of an eyesore, especially at the front. The small grille and pinched fog lights are not a testament to Nissan's design capabilities.

From the back, it's a little bit better, thanks to high-placed taillights. Comparing it to the polo, you can tell that the Micra has been over-designed. It's got hidden door handles, lights that cut into the trunk, creases down the side and thick rear pillars.

Having grown since its previous incarnation, the Micra is now the size of a Renault Clio, or 8cm wider, 6cm lower and a massive 17cm longer. This means more legroom and a bigger trunk. The video says that at 300 liters, this Nissan has nearly 100 liters more than the VW Polo (204 liters). But that's not correct, since the Polo has 280 liters even with a full-sized spare. Let's just conclude that the new Micra is much better than before and leave it at that!

This particular car is equipped with a 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine producing 90 PS and 220 Nm of torque. It's described as being peppy and well insulated from the cabin. Speaking of which, the dashboard is also a little over-designed, but the two-tone combination and soft-touch materials pull this supermini away from anonymity. The design flourishes on the outside impede rear visibility, so parking sensors are a must-have feature.

Overall, we can't say that this strikes us as a big contender in the segment. Renault's aging Clio still has a fantastically supple ride, pleasing French design and the same engine. Even this test car has some weird flaws like the wind-down windows and no grab handles in the back.