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Nissan Micra Coupé Cabriolet 1.4 Urbis

For:
Well equipped; competitively priced; big boot; flexible 1.6-litre engine

Against:
Odd looks; cramped cabin; doesn't ride as well with the roof down



Performance

There are two petrol engines - a 1.4-litre 88bhp and a 1.6-litre 108bhp. We'd go for the 1.6, which is a smooth and flexible performer and only marginally more thirsty. In addition, it only costs £845 more than the 1.4 and comes with added kit that practically covers the extra outlay. Don't expect either engine to be super-swift, but they're good enough to raise a smile.

Ride & handling

The looks suggest that this isn't meant to be a sporty car, and, sure enough, the C+C is short on grip and steering feel at higher speeds. Still, it's easy to manoeuvre around town and the ride is comfortable when you have the roof up. Sadly, some body rigidity is lost when you switch to open-top mode, meaning bumps become unsettling.

Refinement

The C+C's hard roof helps it keep out wind and road noise better than a traditional ragtop, but it's still far from silent. When you put the roof down (which takes 22 seconds) the driver and front passenger are well protected from buffeting because the windscreen extends further back than in many rival convertibles.

Buying & owning

The Micra is priced pretty much spot-on against rivals like the Vauxhall Tigra and Mini Convertible. Running costs should be affordable because it sits in low insurance groups, and both engines return more than 40mpg on the combined cycle. We don't expect resale values to be too bad, either.

Quality & reliability

The dash is lifted from the Micra hatch, meaning high quality materials and slick-operating switchgear. The plastics on the doors are less pleasing, however, feeling lightweight and brittle. Nissan has a reputation for building reliable cars, although we have heard of some faults with the C+C's folding hard top.

Safety & security

There's no doubting the security benefit of having a solid roof on your convertible, plus Nissan has included a useful lockable compartment under the passenger seat. On the safety front, all models get front and side airbags, but stability control is only standard on the higher-specification models.

Behind the wheel

The C+C's steeply raked screen reduces the size of the folding roof and increases boot space, but it can make the cabin feel claustrophobic. To make matters worse, the seat doesn't slide back far enough to satisfy taller drivers and you can only adjust the angle of its base. Most controls are logically positioned, though.

Space & practicality

Even with its metal roof stowed in the boot, the C+C isn't far short of a Micra hatch for luggage space. When the roof is up, it's almost a match for a Mondeo. There's decent provision for odds and ends in the cabin thanks to under-seat storage and plenty of cubbyholes, but the two rear seats are so cramped that this is effectively a two-seater.

Equipment

Even the entry-level 1.4-litre Urbis model is well equipped, getting alloy wheels, a CD player and electric windows as standard. The 1.6-litre Sport adds air-conditioning, bigger wheels, and sporty details like aluminium pedals, while the 1.6-litre Essenza and Active Luxury models come with climate control, heated leather seats, keyless entry and an in-dash CD changer.

Running Costs

Town mpg

34.4

Out of Town mpg

50.4

Average mpg

42.8

Tank Capacity (gallons)

10.1

CO2 Rating (g/km)

158

Insurance Group

5

Typical Insurance Quote

£348

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

46

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£287

Pence Per Mile

40.55

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£893

Servicing Intervals

9,000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 1yr RAC Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

CC

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

4

Engine (cc/type)

1386/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

87/5200

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

3806

Width (mm)

1668

Height (mm)

1441

Boot Space (min ltr)

255

Boot Space (max ltr)

457

Turning Circle (m)

9.2

Towing Weight(kg)

750

Kerb Weight (kg)

1183

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