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DO you remember that Paul Simon album from a few years ago that was entitled Graceland? If you do you then you will probably remember a track named "Boy in the bubble", which, apart from the boy aspect, I felt a bit like when I took delivery of the new test vehicle that is the subject of this weeks column, the Nissan Micra dCi Tekna. Appearance wise the Micra really could not be described as elegant or svelte, its round with an unusual front end, headlights perched higher than most and a very prominent grille with Nissan badging. The Tekna?s a three door hatch that improves its lines as you approach the rear section, a neat tail end with a small spoiler and distinctive tail light clusters. With stylish side sills and dark 16" alloy wheels has quite a sporty look, albeit small.

The interior certainly does not look or feel small, it?s well finished and offers a whole host of accessories that sets it apart from many of its class competitors.

An unusual feature of this car is the sliding rear seat, in its rearmost position it gives reasonable leg room, but when a large load needs to be carried, the seat can be slid forward by 200 mm to increase luggage space considerably.

With the seat back, the Micra's provides 251 litres of load space. This increases to 371 litres when it is moved forward and with seats folded down luggage space is 584 litres.

The Tekna offers fully automatic climate control, steering wheel switches that control the audio system as well as a drive computer, which you can program to remind you of the service dates. Power windows with one touch operation on the driver?s side and central locking are standard.

Safety is well catered for in the Tekna, ABS anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard. On the passive side the Tekna boasts twin front and side airbags plus side curtain airbags.

Seating is comfortable and supportive both front and rear, although the lack of side armrests in the rear was a minor complaint from rear seat occupants.

But it's the engine and transmission that really set the Micra apart.

Powered by a 1461cc intercooled turbo charged common rail diesel, that produces 60kW at 4 000rpm, with 185Nm of torque which is available from 2 000rpm the dCi delivers an amazing punch for its size.

The flexibility of the engine is well matched to the very smooth five speed gearbox.

Fuel consumption is frugal, the worst figure I obtained was 5.6 l/100kms and the best 4.6 l/100kms, impressive and a fact worth considering with the soaring fuel prices of today.

Driving the Nissan Micra Tekna dCi was a revelation, the car was responsive, although you would not take it to the local drag strip, but acceleration was more than adequate.

Handling was very positive with the electrically assisted power steering nicely weighted and delivering feedback to the driver.

Power delivery was amazing and very smooth over the entire range with the ability to propel three adults plus luggage over any of our mountain passes with ease. In fact with everyone aboard and the climate control running full tilt, I would regularly have to lift my right foot to stay within the legal limit while climbing Houw Hoek Pass.

Astoundingly that was with the Micra in top gear.

To put it bluntly the Nissan Micra Tekna dCi is a phenomenal little car which really burst my bubble.

My preconception was of a rather quirky looking little blob that was one of those fashion trendy vehicles of today. Boy! Was I ever wrong, the dCi is a very well engineered vehicle that offers a host of features normally found on larger vehicles and to top it all its great fun to drive. Just goes to show never judge a book by its cover.

The Nissan Micra dCi Tekna is priced at R148 900 including a three year/1000 000 km mechanical warranty and three year/unlimited mileage paint and corrosion warranty.

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