Nissan March 2010-2016 used car review
The Nissan March is a small, basic and reliable hatchback that is very frugal on fuel.
The Nissan March is a small, basic and reliable hatchback that is very frugal on fuel. Compared to its competitors, the interior and overall build quality feels a little cheap.
The Nissan March has been Nissan’s light hatchback since the 1980s. It is sold as the Micra in New Zealand and most Western countries. This generation March was sold in Japan as a five-door hatchback only and the Micra was sold as a three-door. A new March is set for global release this year.
Inside and out
The March continues the model's history of cute, cheerful looks. Our review vehicle features a look updated as part of a 2013 facelift. It has the Nissan family grille and the model’s characteristic “frog eye” raised headlights, although these have been toned down from earlier models. The roof is styled in an arch, which hides a higher roof than competitor models and is engineered to create more interior headroom.
The interior is bright and light, thanks to large windows. The dashboard design is very rounded and curvy with the instruments clear and easy to read. Storage is plentiful, with two glove boxes in front of the passenger, a handy storage shelf and a cubby hole in the centre console. The interior plastics feel cheap, hard and brittle – even the steering wheel feels light and plastic-y.
The front seats are soft yet supportive. It might be tricky for some drivers to get comfortable - you can't adjust the driver's seat for height, and you can only adjust the steering wheel's angle. The narrow rear seat is only suitable for two adults. Passengers sit very upright, and there is good leg and headroom for a small car.
The March’s boot is rather small at 251 litres – one large suitcase or three small ones is about its limit. The rear seat can fold forward for more space but does not split in the middle. The floor of the boot is low compared to the load lip, so items will need to be lifted over it. Thankfully, the car is low enough that this should not be an issue.
On the road
Two engines are available in the Japanese-import March. The “Nismo” version is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine – all other cars are equipped with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder which produces 59kW and 108Nm. This is paired with a CVT automatic transmission. Despite its small size, the engine offers decent performance. It feels strong, though it has to work particularly hard at the speed limit, especially if there's a load on board.
This model features an automatic stop/start system for efficiency. The engine automatically switches off when you pull up at the lights and hold your foot on the brake. Lift your foot to move off and it starts again.
The car does not handle like other small cars of the time, such as the Mazda Demio or Ford Fiesta. There is a lot of body roll. The steering is overly light and vague at the centre. Conversely, the ride is good and the March is able to soak up most small to medium bumps and rough roads. The brakes are good and pull the car to a stop quickly.
Visibility is excellent all around from the driver’s seat. The windows are tall - as the car is so short, it is easy to turn your head to look straight out the back when you reverse. We don’t believe you need a camera or sensors with this car. The turning circle is tiny at just nine metres.
Nissan does not recommend you tow with the March and does not provide a tow capacity.
Reliability
There haven't been many reports of significant issues with the Nissan March. The engine has proven to be reliable and uses a timing chain which will not need regular replacement.
Production for this generation March moved from Japan to Thailand; car dealers believe the quality of the vehicle's materials and build took a slight step back in the process. Most say the only place that is evident is the interior where the general fit, finish and quality looks to be of a lower standard. No one indicated they were any less durable.
If there is one area to keep an eye on, it is the transmission. There is little anecdotal evidence to suggest the CVT automatic has been a problem in New Zealand – yet – but overseas experience indicates occasional failures are possible. When on a test drive, ensure the transmission shifts smoothly and quietly, particularly away from a standstill.
Safety
There is no Used Car Safety Rating available for the March. While the New Zealand-new Micra carries a four-star ANCAP rating, the model we tested had a lower level of safety equipment. Japanese NCAP tests of a 2010 model awarded the car five out of six stars for both driver and passenger protection.
Our review vehicle was fitted with driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, which became standard as part of the 2013 update.
ISOFIX child seat mounts and seat tethers can be found on the two outside rear seats. The centre seatbelt is a three-point shoulder type, which offers more protection than the lap-only type.
Cost of ownership
Nissan recommends the March is serviced every 12 months or 15,000km. The basic service is pricey for a small car at $350. A major service for the CVT transmission is required at 100,000km, at a cost of $650.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, the March will cost $1,400 to fuel. To fill the 41-litre tank from empty will cost $81 at $2 a litre, and you could travel up to 720km before the fuel light comes on.
The March sits in the cheapest ACC levy band and its annual licensing fee (registration) is $76.92.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a March worth $12,520 will cost $47.70* per month. This is $2 cheaper than the cover for a Toyota Vitz.
Buyers' guide
On Trade Me, the Nissan March ranges from just over $6,500 to $12,000 for later and lower mileage vehicles. Mileage, rather than specification, appears to be the biggest factor in price. Some cars available on Trade Me Motors have less than 20,000km on the odometer and fetch the best prices. The Nismo model is hard to find.
All-wheel drive was optional on all models with “FOUR” added to their name. Another option is the “Bolero” package, which includes a new “retro” front grille and bumper, and unique interior trim.
Variants
- 12S - Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, electric windows, driver and passenger airbags, and keyless entry.
- 12X - Adds height adjustable driver's seat, automatic stop/start system and electronic stability control (from 2013).
- 12G - Adds alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, body kit, chrome trim, rear spoiler, climate-control air-conditioning, premium interior trim and trip computer in the dash cluster.
- Nismo - Adds electronic stability control, sports body kit, seats, steering wheel, suspension, exhaust and brakes. Some are fitted with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Five-speed manual an option.
Timeline
- 2010 Launched globally
- 2013 Nismo model added to the range
- 2013 Major facelift launched
- 2017 Replaced by new model
Details
2014 Nissan March X
$6,600 to $11,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.2-litre, three-cylinder, 59kW/108Nm (claimed)
CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
Five-star Japanese NCAP (driver)
15,000km or 12 months
Space saver
5-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
3825mm
1665mm
1520mm
Not recommended
9m
The review covers the Nissan March for model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Review vehicle supplied by City Motor Group.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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