1 Dec 2010
The 2010 Micra was significantly changed from its predecessor, with keener pricing, less effeminate styling, more technology and standard safety features, plus two engine and transmission choices across three model grades instead of just one.
The car was a segment price-leader upon being launched in late-2010, with the entry-level ST version available for $12,990 plus on-road costs, or $13,990 drive-away.
The ST five-door/five-seater came with a 1.2-litre DOHC three-cylinder petrol engine, matched with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic returning 5.9-litres/100km.
The base Micra ST was well specified too - especially in terms of safety - with standard electronic stability/traction control, ABS brakes and six airbags, plus air-conditioning, a full trip computer and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Other standard features included ‘Black Sapphire’ cloth seat trim, a driver’s seat height adjuster, four adjustable head restraints, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, remote central locking, a four-speaker CD/MP3/AM/FM sound system with steering wheel controls and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
Both the mid-range Micra ST-L and top-shelf Micra Ti were powered by a larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to the same five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes.
The 1498cc engine offered 75kW at 6000rpm and 136Nm at 4000rpm, making it only slightly more powerful than the previous Micra’s sole 72kW/137Nm 1.4-litre engine. The Micra 1.5 returned 6.5L/100km (manual) and 6.6L/100km (auto), while emitting a respective 153 and 156g/km.
Apart from a larger engine and wheels, ST-L also customers gained automatic on/off headlights and rear power windows. In addition, buyers of the flagship Ti scored a driver’s armrest, climate-control, keyless push-button starting, an integrated front-seat bag holder, power-folding body-coloured door mirrors, body-coloured door-handles, front foglights, a chromed lower grille surround and rear parking sensors, which were optional on the ST and ST-L.
The Micra also had a tiny nine-metre turning circle and a full-size spare wheel over the whole range.
