Nissan’s great value Visia+’s

Nissan has introduced a couple of tempting special editions offering even better value for money on its practical, yet distinctive Micra and Note hatchback models, both of which are on sale now.

The first of these, the Micra Visia+, for just an extra £500 over the standard Visia model gives manual air conditioning and an upgrade to the more feisty 80 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine. It’s just as economical as the 65 PS unit, delivering 47.9 mpg (manual) and 42.8 mpg (automatic) combined, yet the manual model hits 62mph in a more sprightly 13.5 secs for a more dynamic drive in the cut and thrust of city traffic.

For those who like their interiors a little bit more vibrant, there’s a unique cabin treatment on offer, with snazzy orange seat trim contrasting with a chocolate finish to the dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever. Graphite upholstery remains available for those with more conservative tastes. On the outside, the full Micra palette of paint shades is available, but they’re joined by the exclusive and sparkling Sunlit Copper that really will show the Micra Visia+ off to best effect in spring sunshine.

The added spec comes on top of the standard Visia grade’s side airbags, front active headrests, a CD player, power front windows, rear sliding seat, central locking and ISOFIX childseat mounting points.

Prices start at £7995 for the 3 door manual, with an extra £650 for the 5 door model and a £900 supplement for the automatic gearbox option. In terms of insurance, all models get a low, group 2 rating.

Nissan’s Note offers all the agility and easy driving qualities of a B-segment hatchback, and all the comfort and equipment of a C segment car. Now the Note Visia+ special edition adds manual air conditioning with a pollen filter and the novel Flexi-Board system. Usefully, the 9-litre glovebox – enough to swallow 12 cans of drink – can be cooled using this special edition’s air con system.

Flexi-Board adds to Note’s already versatile load area. The twin steel-framed boards cover an additional stowage space beneath the floor which is ideal for stowing valuables. With the rear seats in place, there’s 280 litres (VDA) of luggage space; slide the rear seat forward (it has a 160 mm adjustment) and lower the luggage boards into the well, and you get an extra 100 litres giving a total load space of 437 litres.

Standard kit includes side airbags, CD player, front electric windows, remote central locking and immobiliser, ISOFIX childseat mounting points, flat reclining front passenger seat and an MP3 auxiliary jack plug.

Like Micra, Note Visia+ carries only a £500 premium with prices starting from £10,595 for the 88 PS 1.4-litre manual model. Alternatively, customers can opt for the 110 PS 1.6-litre petrol engine (with a manual or automatic gearbox) or the 86 PS 1.5-litre turbo diesel.