M OTO R I N G | N E W S BY N I C K F L E TC H E R
M OTO R I N G N E WS Nick Fletcher tells us the latest news on all things motoring.
NEW MG3 E XC LUSIVE MODEL Following the success of the MG3 hatchback - which comes with a 7-year warranty - MG Motor UK has added a new version, MG3 Exclusive Nav. Available from £12,995, MG3 Exclusive Nav features MG’s latest iGo In-Car Navigation system into the model for the first time, and other features include 8-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. Buyers can also enjoy a 6-speaker audio system, DAB Radio and rear parking camera. Daniel Gregorious, Head of Sales & Marketing at MG, said: “We are constantly analysing customers’ needs and requirements to produce a lineup which truly complements the buyer’s busy and varied lifestyle. The introduction of the MG3 Exclusive Nav brings our smallest model in line with the rest of the MG line-up and further solidifies our promise to offer affordability without compromising on specification or quality.”
R O A D T E S T: N I S S A N M I C R A A C E N TA The Nissan Micra received a facelift in 2019 and the sleeker and more sporty styling widens its appeal, especially to younger buyers, writes NICK FLETCHER. There is also a revised engine line-up delivering improved performance and economy and helping the Micra take on rivals such as the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta. Priced from £14,100, the Micra comes as a 5-door hatchback but with a coupe look thanks to neatly disguised rear door handles. There are petrol and turbo-petrol engines with various power outputs and most models come with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, though CVT auto transmission is available on some models. The test model is a mid-range Acenta version priced from £15,330 and with a 1.0 litre 99 hp turbo-petrol engine and manual gearbox. The top speed is 114 mph, the 0-60 mph time 10.9 seconds and average fuel economy 50.4 mpg. Emissions are low at 103 g/km. Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, cruise control, digital radio, Bluetooth, smartphone
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integration,USB socket, auto-emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The Micra’s styling provides visual cachet and the cabin is a pleasant place to be, with a userfriendly dashboard, clear dials and well-placed switches. Good-quality trim materials add to the cabin ambience and good seat and steering wheel adjustments enable the driver to find a comfortable position. Front occupants get plenty of space but the rear seats are a little cramped for taller passengers due to the low roof line. Boot space at 300 litres is among best in class and can be expanded to just over 1,000 litres by folding the rear seats, earning the Micra top marks for practicality. In road use, the Micra handles well, with light precise steering and a light clutch action. It handles corners with composure thanks in part to a suspension set-up which is a little more firm than most of its rivals. The hatchback sector is highly competitive but the latest Micra now has a much stronger presence which gives it a more formidable edge and enhances its appeal to a wider age group.