Best Hatchback with excellent features at affordable price

Before I write this review, just want to inform all that XE model for Micra Active has been scrapped by Nissan. I wanted to inform this because there is too much of complaints on this point in the reviews. So, Guys keep ur mind clear if you opt for Micra Active.

I too got lured by their initial promo's with a starting price of 3.5 lacs for XE model Ex-showroom. But I would say, its worth a buy, choosing the high end XV Safety Pack which ofcourse stretched my buget from XE - 4.2 Lacs to XV Safety Pack - 5.5 Lacs (On-Road) at the time of purchase.

I considered Micra Active over SWIFT, Hyundai i10 because of the excellent features of this vehicle and also SWIFT and i10 are now a days a very common sight in roads and want to stan-out of the normal.

Finally bought MICRA ACTIVE XV Safety Pack, White Color, The car was delivered to me on  10th Oct 2013

Exterior Good Styling and Design, Headlamps are good and the focus can be adjusted with respect to the number of occupants.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Quality of Plastics (Particularly on the doors)are sort of OK!! but nothing to cry out loud, Let's say its decent enough considering the price. Excellent Cabin space and Head-room when compared to Maruti Swift, Ford Figo, Honda Brio. Leg space for the rear passengers are too good. Even if you adjust the front seats to its fullest back position, you still got ample leg-room space which is not the case in SWIFT. A/c performance is good when compared to SWIFT.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Since this car emphasizes on mileage, the power is slightly tweaked. When compared to SWIFT, RITZ, i10and Honda BRIO, power and pick-up is slightly low. But when u get a mileage of 19-20 Kmpl in Highways and 16-17 Kmpl in city, its not a big deal. As per my experience Power, Pick-up and Mileage are reasonably well balanced. However the quality of the gearbox is really an area of concern, in my personal view SWIFT, i10 and Brio fares better than Micra Active. Nissan can improve on it.

Ride Quality & Handling Excellent Ride Quality and Handling is very easy and comfortable especially the power steering is a real treat. But mind you it takes some time to adjust yourself while handling the steering but still Honda BRIO's Electronic Power steering is a winner. If you travel without companions on a slightly bumpy road, the ride may not be comfortable as the shock absorbers are not so responsive. As per my experience this is because they have reduced the over all Kerb Weight by 30 Kgs which makes it to rattle a bit.

Final Words Its a good Hatchback with loaded features at an unbelievable price. No other car can match the specs for this price range. My personal suggestion would be Micra Active at any given day, after making so many comparisons with other brands. No one else provides ABS and Dual Stage Air-Bags at this price level. Brand NISSAN though not well established in india is slowly but strongly making a presence.

Dealer Experience was very pleasant for me, as I bought it from RAMANI NISSAN Coimbatore. They are very responsive to the clients calls. In many reviews, its the dealers who are at fault and nothing to complain about NISSAN as such. 

Areas of improvement Can improve upon Shock Absorbers, Must provide Rear Wipers, Increase the no. of Service centres, Ground clearance is low but I had never felt its too low to complain about when you drive.

Styling, Mileage, ABS, SpaceGround Clearance, Interior quality is OK, Lack of familiarity and Re-sale value