Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Micra 160SR (2005) review

Put your cynicism on hold for a second – this is a genuinely fun little car

Micra 160SR
Evo rating
Price
from £9,995
  • Spirited engine, engaging chassis
  • Rivals have a more youthful image

First, the bad news: Nissan hasn't quietly unleashed a 160bhp version of the minuscule Micra. The '160' refers to the SR's new 1.6-litre engine, rather than a potentially giant-slaying power output. Get over that mild disappointment, though, and the 160SR is all good. While you could never accuse this sportiest of Micras of being butch, the Sport bodykit does give the 160SR a squarer jaw and more muscular profile, while the 16in alloys set the SR apart from its school-run siblings.

At just over a ton, the Micra makes good use of its 110bhp, delivering a power-to-weight ratio better than rivals such as the Citroën C2 VTR, Ford Fiesta Zetec-S and Mini One. This, together with five well-chosen gear ratios, ensures the SR feels surprisingly spirited on the road. Keeping the eager, free-revving engine fizzing away is genuinely entertaining, as is the chassis, which has a rare lightness of touch that both soaks up the bumps and remains taut and responsive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Mini Cooper S review

As you’d expect, grip levels are modest, but perfectly in tune with the pace and power of the car. Much like a Ford Ka, the pleasure is in maintaining your momentum, revelling in the malleable limits and natural poise to carry frankly surprising pace down the kind of nadgety B-roads that would leave many bigger and more potent cars feeling clumsy and over-blown. Much of this is thanks to the efforts of Nissan’s Technical Centre in Cranfield. Also responsible for ‘Europeanising’ the 350Z, NTC has worked hard to give the 160SR a sporty character without compromising its refinement and everyday useability.

Micra

Unlikely as it may sound, the 160SR has spent development time at the Nürburgring, which perhaps accounts for why part of the launch drive included Lincolnshire’s answer to the Nordschleife: Cadwell Park. It’s just as thrilling/scary whether you’re piloting a Micra or a Mustang, and the SR rises to the challenge. Reassuringly stable through the fast and daunting Gooseneck but playful and chuckable through the Mountain section, its poise and composure outweigh the inevitable lack of grip. Nissan boldly made Mini Coopers available for on-track comparison, and while the Mini’s gearing, keener turn-in and lower driving position made it more suited to circuit work, the Micra proved to be the more progressive and better balanced. 

Prcies and rivals

At just under £10K it undercuts the Sportka, Mini One and C2 VTR. And with group 6E insurance, 42mpg economy, 12,000-mile service intervals and a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, it’s likely to cost buttons to run. Alright, so it’s still a Micra, but if you can put machismo aside for a moment you’ll discover that the 160SR is a genuinely able and infectiously enjoyable car.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 1598cc, 16v
Max power110bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque112lb ft @ 4400rpm
0-609.8sec (claimed)
Top speed114mph (claimed)
On saleNow
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Micra

Nissan Micra N-Sport review
Nissan Micra N-Sport
Reviews

Nissan Micra N-Sport review

Marginally more fun than the standard car, better drives available for the same money
31 Jan 2019
Nissan Micra IG-T 90 review
Nissan Micra front three quarters
Reviews

Nissan Micra IG-T 90 review

The new Micra is dressed to impress, but an unfinished feel to the drivetrain kills its chances at class honours
6 Jul 2017
Nissan March Nismo
Nissan March Nismo S Micra Nismo
News

Nissan March Nismo

The Nissan March Nismo hints at a potential Micra hot hatch, though the UK won't see it
26 Jun 2013
Skip advert
Advertisement
Le Mans 2012: Nissan Deltawing
Le Mans 2012: Nissan Deltawing
News

Le Mans 2012: Nissan Deltawing

Nissan's unusual racer won't be racing for position at the Le Mans 24 Hours, but Nissan hopes to keep pace with the front runners
12 Jun 2012
Driven: new Nissan Micra DIG-S
Nissan Micra DIG-S
Reviews

Driven: new Nissan Micra DIG-S

The new Nissan Micra has gained a supercharger - but does it bring any excitement to the rest of the driving experience?
7 Jul 2011
Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra
Spy shots

Nissan Micra

In the right place at the right time as we capture the forthcoming Nissan Micra
17 Dec 2009
Nissan Micra 350SR
Long term tests

Nissan Micra 350SR

Our Micra's been recalled for a facelift and a winter rest
7 Feb 2008
Nissan Micra 350SR
Long term tests

Nissan Micra 350SR

The Nissan won't win over neighbours with its noise in the morning, but the local toms love it...
9 Jan 2008
Nissan Micra 350SR
Videos

Nissan Micra 350SR

Jethro Bovingdon takes the Micra 350SR out for a spin
3 Dec 2007
Skip advert
Advertisement
Nissan Micra 350SR
Long term tests

Nissan Micra 350SR

It’s very loud, has ‘interesting’ handling and drinks fuel at a shocking rate. Welcome to the crazy world of the Nissan Micra 350SR
22 Nov 2007
Nissan Micra 350SR
Nissan Micra 350SR
Long term tests

Nissan Micra 350SR

Demanding and addictive, Nissan's 350 SR has left its mark
25 Oct 2007
Skip advert
Advertisement
Nissan Micra 350SR
Long term tests

Nissan Micra 350SR

Nissan's heavily-worked 350SR is currently the most expensive vehicle on the evo fleet
25 Sep 2007