MOTORING NEWS - For many years, city cars struggled to win over significant numbers of buyers due to the misconception that they were unsafe and that small engines were underpowered. Consumers felt that bigger was better, as well as safer. Nowadays, however, city cars feature cutting edge safety technology and their ongoing evolution has resulted in increased sales across the world.
According to global sales data for the first quarter of 2018, compact city car sales increased by almost 2%.
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Vehicle costs extend further than the monthly hire purchase amount. The total cost of ownership includes fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance and other variables. Compact hatchbacks score well in this regard as everything from the cost of the car to insurance and maintenance is usually cheaper than medium and large vehicles.
The all-new Nissan Micra, which is revolutionising the Upper B hatchback segment, has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 5,1 litres per 100km and comes with a comprehensive six year or 150 000km warranty; a three year or 90 000km service plan and 24/7 roadside assistance.
The fuel efficiency of city cars, particularly those with small-capacity, turbo-charged engines is constantly improving. Some compact cars are even on par with petrol-electric hybrids, which record very low consumption.
"The fuel efficiency of city cars such as the Micra can't be overstated as there have been several fuel price increases throughout the year that have had a negative impact on all consumers and especially those with large, fuel-guzzling vehicles," said Alda Gildenhuys, Nissan SA passenger vehicles product manager.
SMART TECHNOLOGY
Modern compact cars come with lots of innovative technological advancements - from those that keep you connected to the world around you to those that prioritise passenger safety.
The 7" touchscreen colour display on the Nissan Micra Acenta and Acenta Plus allows the driver to access features such as music, messages and maps through Apple CarPlay. When an iPhone is connected via an Apple lightning cable, it offers users Siri voice control, Apple maps with turn-by-turn navigation, access to telephone services and other apps such as Audiobooks and Spotify.
Standard across the Micra range are six airbags, seat belt warnings and seat belt height adjustment for the front and rear. Isofix child seats are also standard.
Electronic safety systems include vehicle dynamic control, anti-locking braking system and hill start assist.
Ergonomics are vitally important in a smaller car and here the Nissan Micra sets new standards with a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and lowered front seats, which ensures exceptional headroom for taller occupants.
FREEDOM
Arguably, one of the most important aspects about city cars is their price and the freedom of movement they provide for first-time car buyers. Owning a car in a country where the public transit system is underdeveloped or non-existing, allows the owner mobility and freedom. They also prove useful to entrepreneurs who need to be on the move. A lot of up-and-coming buyers are young and require cars that are reliable and safe, but also exciting and fun to drive.
The new Nissan Micra has a 66kW, 140Nm turbo-charged petrol engine that delivers driving pleasure, practicality and good fuel efficiency.
The Micra also benefits from a personalisation programme with features and colours that are developed to enhance the car's funky interior and exterior design.
Considering all these elements that we usually associate with more expensive, bigger vehicles, and the financial savings, is it any wonder that smaller cars are taking over the world?
Source: Nissan
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