Nissan Micra with dual personality

Nissan has given its city loving Micra a dual personality, both active and luxurious, with a new range that tops the existing line-up. Available in both hatchback and C+C coupe/convertible bodystyles, the literally named Active Luxury takes classy clubwear as its inspiration teaming elegant pearl and racy copper colour themes. Sports seats wrapped in Alcantara® and soft nappa leather plus a luxury equipment tally might sound expensive. But Active Luxury prices start as low as £10,995.

The new trim level fits above Sport in the three- and five-door hatchback line-up and Essenza in the C+C. Including automatics, there are seven Micra Active Luxury models available with a choice of two petrol engines, 1.4-litre (88PS) and 1.6-litre (110PS), and one diesel engine, 1.5-litre dCi (86PS) which is only offered on the hatchback. Automatic transmission can be teamed with the 1.4-litre on the hatchback or 1.6-litre on the C+C.

Outside differentiators include polished 16 inch alloy wheels*, chromed headlights and a unique paint shade called Porcelain. It’s a new pearly silver developed specifically for the Active Luxury by the Colour Group arm of London based Nissan Design Europe. The alternative is classy Nero Black. Both paint choices are metallic – standard Active Luxury fare but a £375 option on lesser Micras. The Active Luxury also gets the Sport design deeper bumpers, side sill and rear spoilers as well as front fog lights with body coloured mirrors and door handles.

Inside the dual personality continues. To the elegant pearl grey nappa leather and unique-to-Active Luxury perforated Alcantara® seats, the Colour Group has added a racy copper stripe. This colour is also picked up in the glove box lining and the stitching of the leather rimmed steering wheel. A satin chrome finish to the rings around the white instrument dials, air ducts and the interior door handles plus aluminium entry plates are more Active Luxury details.

Marisol Manso Cortina is manager of the Colour Group. She describes the interior as: ‘a light and sophisticated design providing a luxurious feel to a city car whilst hinting at an active lifestyle - the perforated grey Alcanatara® on the seats and doors adds the luxury whilst the copper stripe keeps the interior vibrant.’

A Micra three-door 1.5dCi Active Luxury, for example, is priced at £12,095 – £500 more than the equivalent Sport, not bad given the Active Luxury’s unique trim, metallic paint, heated seats, rain sensing wipers, front seat lumbar support and auto lighting. The Micra C+C with its electrically folding roof gives an even better view of the Active Luxury’s special interior. The 1.6 carries a £15,495 price tag – only £245 more than the Essenza on which metallic paint is extra. All models are available to order immediately.

So if you’re the type who goes to the gym to spend more time in the Jacuzzi than on the treadmill, save the membership fee and indulge in some active luxury with a Micra.

*C+C 1.6 automatic comes with 15 inch alloy wheels