Nissan March Test Drive Part 3

May 30
19:00

2024

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johsonjson

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The Nissan March, a popular compact car, offers a mixed bag of features and performance. While it excels in maneuverability and affordability, it falls short in some safety aspects. This article delves into the specifics of the Nissan March, comparing it with its competitors, and highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

Interior Noise and Comfort

The Nissan March's interior can be somewhat noisy at highway speeds,Nissan March Test Drive Part 3 Articles a common issue among its competitors. Despite this, the March remains a popular choice for many drivers due to its affordability and practicality.

Maneuverability

One of the standout features of the Nissan March is its impressive turning circle of just 9.0 meters. This allows for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, making it an excellent choice for city driving. In comparison, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris have a minimum turning circle of 9.4 meters. The power-assisted steering in the March ensures smooth handling during parking maneuvers and becomes stiffer at higher speeds to enhance control.

Safety Concerns: The ABS Debate

ABS Availability

A significant point of criticism for the Nissan March is the lack of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in all its versions, which range from 116,900 to 173,900 pesos. In contrast, the Renault Sandero offers ABS from the Dynamique version, priced at 161,200 pesos. Nissan has justified this by stating that their market research indicated a low demand for ABS among buyers of popular cars.

Consumer Preferences

It's concerning that many Mexican drivers prioritize aesthetic features like stylish wheels, loud stereos, or sunroofs over essential safety features like ABS. This raises the question: should manufacturers cater to consumer demands or educate them about safety?

Comparative Analysis

To provide a fair comparison, let's look at three cars in the same segment that come with ABS:

Car Model Price (Pesos)
Honda Fit 201,000
Suzuki Swift 182,900
Toyota Yaris 205,300

The new Nissan March/Micra scored four stars in European crash tests, but this was with a model equipped with two front airbags, available in Mexico from 145,900 pesos. Without airbags, the March would likely not achieve the same rating. In comparison, the Suzuki Swift, a competitor in the same segment, scored five stars.

Mechanical Reliability

Nissan has a strong reputation for mechanical reliability. The engine and automatic transmission used in the March have been in the U.S. market Tiida for three years without reported failures. The only recall involved a relay issue causing the engine to shut off, affecting various Nissan vehicles manufactured between August 2003 and July 2006. This issue has since been resolved.

Predictions for Long-Term Reliability

We predict that the new Nissan March will be reliable in the long term. The base version includes features like automatic door locks at 20 km/h, fixed front seat headrests, and 14-inch steel wheels. However, it lacks power steering and rear head restraints, although it does have a rear defroster and trip computer.

Trim Levels and Features

Sense Trim

  • Power-assisted steering
  • Height-adjustable steering wheel
  • Remote door opening control
  • Separate front seat headrests
  • Stereo system
  • Alarm
  • Rear wiper
  • Cable-adjustable mirrors

Advance Trim

  • Two front airbags
  • 15-inch aluminum wheels
  • Electric windows
  • Electrically adjustable mirrors
  • Tachometer
  • Rear seat headrests

SR Trim

  • Appearance package
  • Discreet rear spoiler
  • Smoky 15-inch wheels
  • Side decals

Technical Specifications

  • Engine: Forward transverse, four-cylinder, 1.6-liter displacement, 16 valves, sequential fuel injection
  • Power: 106 hp at 5,600 rpm
  • Torque: 105 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm

Conclusion

The Nissan March offers a blend of affordability, maneuverability, and mechanical reliability. However, its lack of ABS in all versions is a significant drawback, especially when compared to competitors like the Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift, and Toyota Yaris. As consumers, it's crucial to prioritize safety features over aesthetic ones to ensure a safer driving experience.

For more information on car safety features, you can visit NHTSA and Euro NCAP.

Sources:

  1. NHTSA
  2. Euro NCAP
  3. Honda Fit Specifications
  4. Toyota Yaris Specifications

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