Nissan Micra N-Sport 2019 first drive

Remember the Micra 160 SR? A gold star and extra nerd points if you do. Launched back in 2005, it was Nissan’s first and (until today) only attempt to push its supermini into the 'warm hatch' sphere in Europe.

To say it was unsuccessful is an understatement. Contemporary reviews suggest it was actually pretty competitive. But it seemed that car’s cutesy styling combined with the Nissan Micra’s driving school image did it no favours for enthusiasts on a budget. 

But perhaps the latest generation is a better fit, with its more grown up, angular design and slightly more upmarket positioning. Nissan clearly reckons so, which is why it’s launched the N-Sport onto the market.

Far from just a cynical trim level, the firm is using it as the basis to introduce a new 1.0-litre engine, also available in other higher-end trims. All cars with the new engine get a bespoke chassis tune, lowered suspension and a new steering rack, while the N-Sport model gets subtle exterior styling tweaks and and natty Alcantara trim on the dash and seats.

Alongside this, model year upgrades include a newly designed infotainment system with additional connectivity, and a new smartphone app that allows some limited operation of vehicle features.

As good as it needs to be, we reckon. When the latest Nissan Micra launched in 2017 its biggest failing was that the most powerful engine option put out just 89bhp. 

The Renault-sourced 0.9-litre triple also lacked torque, had an inconsistent throttle response and, thanks to its bizarre whining noises when revved, wasn’t exactly the pinnacle of refinement. It was fine in the lower rungs of the range, but with top-end Micras stretching towards £20,000 it couldn’t compete with the far gutsier turbo triples of rivals. 

Responding to this criticism, Nissan has ditched the 0.9 for a 1.0-litre unit, available in two states of tune. The N-Sport is available In both, and we’ve got the more powerful unit here, putting out 117bhp and 133lb ft of torque, or 148lb ft for short periods with an overboost function.

Far from a simple software rejig, the more powerful 1.0 has a number of hardware changes, including direct fuel injection, a higher compression ratio and dual variable valve timing.

It means the N-Sport can realistically compete with cars like the Seat Ibiza FR and Ford Fiesta ST-line. Outright performance is still modest by anyone’s standards, and doesn’t feel as punchy as the Fiesta’s Ecoboost unit, yet there’s enough urgency in the mid-range that it rarely feels strained or out of its depth on normal roads.