25 Jul 05
Off the line the 160SR doesn't feel as lively as the figures suggest, although the five-speed manual gearbox is nice and smooth, allowing for quick gearchanges. That said, from 30-70mph the Micra really begins to find its feet. Maximum torque of 112 lb ft is available at 4400rpm, so as long as you use the engine's full rev range (limit is at 6500rpm) you can make swift progress across twisty country lanes.
To create a more involving drive, the 160SR sits lower and rides on stiffened suspension and the Micra's electrically assisted power steering has been tweaked to give greater feel through the wheel. The changes in suspension settings have tightened up the 160SR's body control, but it's not so stiff that you wince each time you hit a cat's eye. Despite its limited power the 160SR is engaging to drive, given the right stretch of road. On the motorway the Micra's boomy exhaust note can become tiresome, but you can throw it about with freedom through sweeping corners knowing that the stability programme will cut in to counteract overambitious driving. And although the ESP is switchable, it never fully lets go. Switch it off and you'll hear a chirp of wheelspin off the line, but it nevertheless reels you in if your heroics go a bit Pete Tong.
