Whlle it may not go down in the annals of automotive history as one of its celebrated legends, the daily driver holds a place near and dear in many of our hearts.
^^
As for fuel economy, my 2010 Corolla showed 7.9L/100km in pure city, 13km each way commuting in the GTA (which takes 35-45 mins). I say it again - I don't think these smaller engines are beneficial for fuel economy; rather, only for cost-cutting.
I know we're beating the dead horse (poor Seabiscuit), but I think it's reasonable considering how often the Micra is reviewed by Autos.ca
Even at ~$15k, if you're going for a stripper, I simply don't see the value in these subcompacts. The Fiesta doesn't feel like such a penalty box to me, nor the Rio/Accent, but the Micra just exudes "look at me, I'm cheap and 'almost' cute!"
To a consumer, as far as I can see, all that matters is "what can I get for $##,###." If someone truly has only $12,797 (base model + HST + freight) to spend and they want to keep it for 10+ years, there are so many used buys that are better than this. "Used" doesn't have to mean a 7+ year old car - 1-2 year old Hyundai/Kias go for about that price (or can be negotiated as such) and will have the same warranty remaining (since they give a 5 year warranty instead of Nissan's 3 year) - so the warranty argument doesn't hold.
45 MPG. highway (experienced seemingly) is not too shabby.
Imperial Gallons are stupid - don't use them.
6.5L/100km = 36.19 MPG 'experienced seemingly'
Every weekend from Toronto to Ithaca, NY, I average <6L/100km at 120km/h and usual traffic to the border, incl the border idling, in my Corolla. That's > 39.20 MPG, 'very much experienced.'
