2005 NISSAN Micra 5 Doors 1.4L 16V 5MT FWD (88 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After three years on the market, the third generation of the Micra needed to be refreshed and prepared for the Euro 5 emission standards, and that affected both the three and the five-door versions.

Facing a tough challenge from other European carmakers, Nissan acted promptly and upgraded the Micra. Yet, it was not that successful, partly due to its uninspired design that made many customers go to other manufacturers. But the Japanese carmaker was not ready to drop the ball.

With a shape that could fit into the bio-design trend, which was already gone, the Micra tried to get those customers who didn’t appreciate the new-edge-design direction. Its overall appearance was closer to a bubble than to a sharp knife. The front fascia featured a grille split in two by a slat, and two oval-shaped headlights mounted high enough to be protected from minor scratches. Its profile revealed the same rounded shapes that gave the vehicle a unique styling. In its five-door version, the rear door windows were split into two parts.

Inside, Nissan left the same grey-color interior with a curved dashboard that featured the radio mounted between the center air vents. Its front bucket seats were slim and not very comfortable on long journeys. But since the car was designed and built for the urban environment, it was fine. At least they didn’t take too much space, adding some legroom for the rear-seat passengers.

Since the Japanese carmaker was already involved in the Renault-Nissan Alliance, it could take the engines from its French partner. Thus, it didn’t have to spend that much to make its engines Euro 5 compliant.