NISSAN is serious about snaring 10 per cent of the new car market in Australia by the end of next year, and here is one of its biggest weapons to help reach that goal – the $12,990 K13-series Micra ST.
Fully equipped in terms of safety and convenience features, this Yaris-sized city-slicker is cheap enough to snare used-car buyers as well as those lamenting the impending loss of the Hyundai Getz.
Yet, astonishingly, there is enough of a fun factor to crack a smile on even the most avid V8 petrol head. Cheap, chirpy, cheerful, and only a little bit vocal, we’re absolutely delighted with the energetic ST. You will be too.

Micra
Released: December 2007
Ended: November 2010
Family Tree: MicraFIVE years on from its overseas launch, Australia finally saw the third-generation, K12 Micra series in late 2007.
Based on the contemporary Renault Clio III platform, it impressed us with enduring distinctive design, benign handling, easy city driving and a comfortable cabin.
Only a single drivetrain specification was imported from Japan – a 72kW/137Nm 1.4-litre twin-cam four-cylinder petrol engine tied to a four-speed automatic gearbox.
ABS brakes and dual airbags were standard, although buyers could choose the City Collection Pack that added side and head airbags, as well as alloys and improved audio.
Petite yet strong, the K12 confounded sceptics by selling in healthy numbers, but sadly no manual, three-door or diesel versions ever came here.
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