Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport. If you're in the market for a supermini that injects a bit of fun into your daily drive, while still being practical and economical, this could be the car for you. Let's break down what makes this sporty Micra tick and whether it lives up to the hype.

What is the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport?

The Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is essentially the sportier trim level of the popular Nissan Micra. It's designed to appeal to younger drivers or those who want a bit more visual flair and a slightly enhanced driving experience without breaking the bank. The “IG-T” refers to the engine, which is a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit. This engine is designed to offer a good balance between fuel efficiency and adequate performance for city and occasional highway driving. The 'Sport' trim typically adds cosmetic enhancements such as sportier bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, and unique alloy wheels, giving it a more aggressive and stylish appearance compared to the standard Micra models. Inside, you might find sportier seats, unique trim details, and possibly enhanced infotainment features, depending on the specific model year and optional extras. Overall, the Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport aims to provide a more engaging and visually appealing option in the supermini segment, targeting drivers who value style and a bit of extra zest in their everyday car. It’s about having a car that looks good and feels a bit more exciting to drive, without sacrificing the practicality and affordability that the Micra is known for. The main goal is to spice up the standard Micra formula, making it more appealing to those who want a car that reflects their personality and active lifestyle. This model fits into a competitive market, vying for attention against other sporty superminis like the Ford Fiesta ST-Line, Volkswagen Polo R-Line, and SEAT Ibiza FR. Each of these cars offers a similar blend of sporty styling and efficient performance, making the choice dependent on personal preferences regarding design, features, and driving dynamics. The Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport stands out with its distinctive Nissan styling and reputation for reliability, aiming to provide a compelling package for buyers in this segment. Before making a decision, it’s crucial to compare these options side-by-side to see which one best suits your individual needs and driving style.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport packs a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Now, don't let the small displacement fool you; this engine delivers a decent punch. We're talking around 100 horsepower, which is more than enough to make the Micra feel zippy around town. The turbocharger helps to provide a good amount of torque, meaning you don't have to work the engine too hard to get up to speed. It’s not going to win any drag races, but for everyday driving, it’s surprisingly responsive. The engine shines in urban environments, where its compact size and nimble handling make navigating crowded streets a breeze. The turbocharger ensures that you have enough power to dart in and out of traffic, and the light steering makes parking and maneuvering effortless. On the open road, the Micra holds its own, though you might find yourself wanting a bit more power when overtaking or climbing steep hills. The engine can get a bit noisy at higher revs, but it’s generally refined enough for comfortable highway cruising. Fuel economy is another strong point. Nissan claims around 50 mpg, and in real-world conditions, you can expect to get pretty close to that, especially if you’re doing a lot of city driving. This makes the Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport a very economical choice for daily commutes and errands. The driving experience is enhanced by a well-tuned suspension that strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. It’s not as sporty as some of its rivals, but it’s certainly more engaging than the standard Micra. The steering is light and precise, providing good feedback from the road. Overall, the engine and performance of the Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport are well-suited to its intended purpose. It’s a fun, economical, and practical car that’s perfect for city dwellers and those who want a bit of extra pep in their daily drive. It’s not the fastest or most exciting car in its class, but it offers a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport, you'll notice a few sporty touches that set it apart from the standard model. The seats often feature unique upholstery and bolstering to provide a bit more support during spirited driving. The interior design is modern and functional, with a focus on ease of use. The dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is usually a 7-inch touchscreen display that includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. This makes it easy to access navigation, music, and other apps while on the go. The system is generally responsive and user-friendly, though it’s not the most advanced or visually stunning on the market. Space-wise, the Micra is decent for a supermini. The front seats offer plenty of room for adults, but the rear seats can be a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially on longer journeys. The boot is also reasonably sized for a car in this class, offering enough space for a weekly grocery shop or a weekend getaway. In terms of features, the Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport comes with a good level of equipment as standard. You can expect to find things like air conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, and various safety systems such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher-spec models may also include features like automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a Bose sound system. The quality of the materials used in the interior is generally good for a car in this segment. While there are some hard plastics, they are well-textured and don’t feel cheap. The overall impression is one of durability and practicality. One of the standout features of the Micra is its customization options. Nissan offers a wide range of colors, trims, and accessories that allow you to personalize your car to your own taste. This is a big selling point for many buyers, as it allows them to create a Micra that truly reflects their personality. Overall, the interior and features of the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport are well-rounded and competitive. It’s a comfortable and practical car that offers a good level of equipment and customization options, making it a great choice for those who want a stylish and well-equipped supermini.

Exterior Styling

The Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport definitely stands out from the crowd with its bold and distinctive styling. The 'Sport' trim adds a number of visual enhancements that give it a more aggressive and athletic appearance. The front bumper is more sculpted, with larger air intakes and a sporty lip spoiler. This gives the car a more dynamic and purposeful look. The side skirts add a touch of visual flair, while the rear spoiler enhances the overall sporty vibe. These elements work together to create a cohesive and eye-catching design. The Micra's design is characterized by its sharp lines, sculpted body panels, and distinctive V-motion grille. The floating roof design, with its blacked-out pillars, adds to the car's modern and stylish appearance. The boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights are another distinctive feature that helps the Micra stand out on the road. The rear of the car is equally stylish, with its sculpted tailgate and distinctive taillights. The overall effect is a car that looks modern, dynamic, and fun. The 17-inch alloy wheels are another key element of the Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport's exterior styling. They fill the wheel arches nicely and add to the car's sporty stance. The wheels are available in a range of designs and finishes, allowing you to further customize the look of your car. One of the standout features of the Micra is its wide range of color options. Nissan offers a variety of bold and vibrant colors that allow you to express your personality. From bright blues and reds to more understated grays and silvers, there's a color to suit every taste. The Micra also offers a number of customization options, such as contrasting roof colors and exterior decals, allowing you to further personalize the look of your car. Overall, the exterior styling of the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is one of its strongest selling points. It's a car that looks modern, stylish, and fun, and it's sure to turn heads wherever you go. The sporty trim adds a number of visual enhancements that give it a more aggressive and athletic appearance, making it a great choice for those who want a car that reflects their personality and active lifestyle.

Driving Experience

Okay, let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport. As we mentioned before, the 1.0-liter turbocharged engine provides adequate power for most situations. It's nippy around town and can hold its own on the highway. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned to provide a good balance between comfort and handling. It's not as sporty as some of its rivals, but it's certainly more engaging than the standard Micra. The car feels planted and stable in corners, and the ride is generally smooth and comfortable, even on rough roads. One of the things that stands out about the Micra is its refinement. The engine is relatively quiet and smooth, and the cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise. This makes it a comfortable car to drive, even on long journeys. The driving position is good, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel. The controls are all easy to reach and use, and the visibility is excellent. The Micra also comes with a number of driver-assistance features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which can help to make driving safer and easier. One area where the Micra could be improved is the gearbox. The five-speed manual gearbox feels a bit notchy and imprecise, and the throws are a bit long. A six-speed gearbox would definitely improve the driving experience. Overall, the driving experience of the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is positive. It's a fun, comfortable, and refined car that's perfect for city driving and occasional longer journeys. It's not the sportiest car in its class, but it offers a good balance of performance, handling, and comfort. The light steering and nimble handling make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the refined engine and comfortable ride make it a great car for everyday use. If you're looking for a supermini that's fun to drive and easy to live with, the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is definitely worth considering.

Potential Downsides

Alright, no car is perfect, so let's talk about some potential downsides of the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport. While the engine is decent, it's not the most powerful in its class. If you're looking for a truly sporty driving experience, you might find it a bit lacking. The rear seats can be a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially on longer journeys. If you regularly carry adults in the back, this could be an issue. The boot is also not the biggest in its class, although it's adequate for most everyday needs. Some of the interior materials feel a bit cheap, particularly the hard plastics on the dashboard and door panels. While the overall build quality is good, the interior doesn't feel as premium as some of its rivals. The infotainment system is functional, but it's not the most advanced or visually stunning on the market. The graphics look a bit dated, and the system can be slow to respond at times. The five-speed manual gearbox feels a bit notchy and imprecise, and the throws are a bit long. A six-speed gearbox would definitely improve the driving experience. Finally, the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is not the cheapest supermini on the market. While it offers good value for money, there are other cars in its class that are more affordable. Overall, the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is a good car, but it's not without its flaws. The engine could be more powerful, the rear seats could be more spacious, the interior materials could be better, the infotainment system could be more advanced, and the gearbox could be smoother. However, these downsides are relatively minor, and the Micra is still a great choice for those looking for a stylish, fun, and practical supermini.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport? Overall, it's a solid supermini that offers a good blend of style, performance, and practicality. It's a fun car to drive, with a decent engine and nimble handling. The exterior styling is bold and distinctive, and the interior is well-equipped and comfortable. While it's not without its flaws, the downsides are relatively minor, and the Micra is still a great choice for those looking for a stylish, fun, and practical supermini. If you're looking for a car that's perfect for city driving and occasional longer journeys, the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport is definitely worth considering. It's not the sportiest car in its class, but it offers a good balance of performance, handling, and comfort. The light steering and nimble handling make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the refined engine and comfortable ride make it a great car for everyday use. The Micra also comes with a number of driver-assistance features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which can help to make driving safer and easier. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Nissan Micra 1.0 IG-T Sport comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a stylish, fun, and practical supermini that's perfect for city driving, it's definitely a great choice. However, if you're looking for a truly sporty driving experience or need a lot of space in the back seats, you might want to consider other options.