SecondHandSense:THOSE WITH long memories will recall a time when petrol prices were an even grimmer topic of conversation than they are today. And with prices staying as high as they are, the issue of fuel economy has become as important an issue as it was back in the dreaded 1970s.
Many people are looking at their overall energy bills and deciding that a small, economical car makes much more sense these days.
This is where cars like the Nissan Micra come in. The Micra has proved a huge success over the years because the formula remains simple, attractive and proven.
It is, of course, a good city car and it fulfils many requirements. Admittedly the styling of the newer version may be too idiosyncratic for many. For these buyers, there is the option of the Toyota Yaris, but the Yaris carries a price premium.
The Micra will never excite you, but it will get you from A to B in reasonable comfort, and give you well over 40mpg in mixed conditions when well maintained. It can also be bought at very keen prices.
You can get 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre versions with petrol-only engines. The 1.0-litre just about manages what is required of it, and the 1.2-litre is the better bet and is almost as economical.
There is an automatic version available with either engine which , but they are hard to get hold of. However, if I had the choice I would go for the Continuously Variable (CVT) automatic.
The Micra will take four in comfort and has a cheery interior with modern instrumentation and dials.
The car is at its best when zipping around in traffic. It is very easy to park and has a reasonably good boot. That's about everything the car offers.
Reliability is good and the car has a four-star crash test rating (out of a possible five) in the Euro NCAP crash programme.
A 2006 car with 1.2-litre engine, CD player, twin airbags, central locking and with 34,000km is on offer for €10,500 at one garage.
A 2007 automatic with 40,000km costs €11,999.
Expect substantial discounting, and do not pay the asking price.
STAR RATING: 7/10