Nissan March 1.2 (A) Review
18 Mar 2011|25,050 views
Back in the day when COE prices were low (which wasn't actually that long ago, but you get what I mean), the Nissan March was actually a reasonably popular car for buyers seeking an entry-level Japanese hatchback as their first purchase.
While it wasn't exactly as immensely popular as its contemporaries like the Honda Jazz and the Suzuki Swift, the March sold well enough to hold its own in the market.
Part of the March's appeal was its cutesy looks that attracted more than its fair share of female buyers. But aside from that, the March's other trump card was its extensive equipment list.
For a car of its class, the tiny hatchback boasted of features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights, and even the very novel Ionizer air con, which was certainly an impressive feat considering the car's price tag.
It's hard to believe that it's been nearly nine years now since the previous March was launched, for it still looks as fresh as a flower today. But things have moved on since then, and so it is time for Nissan's small hatchback to March forwards (pun intended).
The new March promises to be significantly different from the car it replaces. Which is just as well, as it enters a market that is vastly different in conditions from when its cheery predecessor was around. COE prices are now nearly double of what it was back then, so the March certainly has to be doubly competitive in order to succeed. But does it have the capabilities to pull the rug from under the Swift's and Jazz's feet?
While it wasn't exactly as immensely popular as its contemporaries like the Honda Jazz and the Suzuki Swift, the March sold well enough to hold its own in the market.
Part of the March's appeal was its cutesy looks that attracted more than its fair share of female buyers. But aside from that, the March's other trump card was its extensive equipment list.
For a car of its class, the tiny hatchback boasted of features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights, and even the very novel Ionizer air con, which was certainly an impressive feat considering the car's price tag.
It's hard to believe that it's been nearly nine years now since the previous March was launched, for it still looks as fresh as a flower today. But things have moved on since then, and so it is time for Nissan's small hatchback to March forwards (pun intended).
The new March promises to be significantly different from the car it replaces. Which is just as well, as it enters a market that is vastly different in conditions from when its cheery predecessor was around. COE prices are now nearly double of what it was back then, so the March certainly has to be doubly competitive in order to succeed. But does it have the capabilities to pull the rug from under the Swift's and Jazz's feet?
 |
Exterior
The new March disposes of the old car's cute and female-centric looks, for a much more grown-up design. Nissan says that they want to appeal to more guys with the new March, and it seems to have somewhat succeeded, with us anyway.
With that said, the new March hasn't been completely macho-fied.
The soft curves and generally rounded theme, always a March highlight, are still around to attract the ladies. But there are also small design details, such as the little bonnet 'bulge', slightly reminiscent of the 370Z coupe, to resonate with the men.
Even though the dimensions of the old and new car are similar, with only the length and wheelbase being slightly longer by 55mm and 10mm respectively, the new March looks a bit bigger. Perhaps this is down to the huge bumper air intake up front, which gives it a deceptively wider stance, as well as a cheeky grinning face. The enlarged round headlamps also help to accentuate the illusion as well.
Style is a subjective thing though. Some may say that the new March is now duller than the outgoing model. But personally, I feel that the car exudes a pretty handsome stance, albeit a somewhat conservative one.
 |
Interior
Let's get this point out of the way first: the new Nissan March is made in Thailand. Yes, it has now joined the growing brigade of "tom yam" Japanese cars.
This is an unfortunate result of the strong yen, making it unfeasible to bring in cars from Japan at a competitive price. Having the car built in Thailand shaves significant costs from production and export.
Regrettably, this also means that equipment levels have also been pared down. The aforementioned features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights and Ionizer air con are now gone. In fact, the new March has a much more basic feel to it than before.
And it is quite unfortunate that rising COE prices means the new car is more expensive than the previous one, but those are market forces that are beyond Nissan's control. As mentioned earlier in the article, the new March now finds itself in completely different market conditions from its predecessor.
Let's get this point out of the way first: the new Nissan March is made in Thailand. Yes, it has now joined the growing brigade of "tom yam" Japanese cars.
This is an unfortunate result of the strong yen, making it unfeasible to bring in cars from Japan at a competitive price. Having the car built in Thailand shaves significant costs from production and export.
Regrettably, this also means that equipment levels have also been pared down. The aforementioned features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights and Ionizer air con are now gone. In fact, the new March has a much more basic feel to it than before.
And it is quite unfortunate that rising COE prices means the new car is more expensive than the previous one, but those are market forces that are beyond Nissan's control. As mentioned earlier in the article, the new March now finds itself in completely different market conditions from its predecessor.
Leaving that aside, as a whole the March feels pretty solid. Sure the plastics aren't fancy soft-touch ones that you find on premium cars, but you get the sense that they are hardy and made to last for years and years, and sometimes, that's all you really want out of a car.
The general theme of the interior seems to be circles, as the air vents and the controls for the air con are all set in that rounded shape, which actually gives it a rather funky sense of style.
What we didn't like, however, was the driving position. Despite numerous adjustments, neither I nor my colleague Julian could really feel comfortable. The design and the materials of the seats just didn't feel supportive enough. The adjusters for the seat back were poorly-designed and located too, which didn't help matters.
Things are better for passengers though, as there is ample legroom in the rear for five. The 241-litre capacity boot is decent for a car of its size.
One more thing: the wing mirrors on the March are really small, even for a car of its size. I mean, while the car is meant to be small and manoeuvrable, bigger-sized mirrors would most certainly be helpful.
The general theme of the interior seems to be circles, as the air vents and the controls for the air con are all set in that rounded shape, which actually gives it a rather funky sense of style.
What we didn't like, however, was the driving position. Despite numerous adjustments, neither I nor my colleague Julian could really feel comfortable. The design and the materials of the seats just didn't feel supportive enough. The adjusters for the seat back were poorly-designed and located too, which didn't help matters.
Things are better for passengers though, as there is ample legroom in the rear for five. The 241-litre capacity boot is decent for a car of its size.
One more thing: the wing mirrors on the March are really small, even for a car of its size. I mean, while the car is meant to be small and manoeuvrable, bigger-sized mirrors would most certainly be helpful.
 |
The Drive
Most people's first reaction upon hearing that the March has a 1.2-litre engine is that "it's going to be underpowered".
That is only partially true. While pick-up does seem a bit lagging at times, the car as a whole is able to keep up in traffic well once you get up to cruising speed. I suppose this can be put down to the car's curb weight of just 940kg, which the 75bhp engine is able to shift without much problem.
You can most certainly hear the three-cylinder engine hard at work as it powers you along, as the sound permeates through the cabin. But the engine has quite a rorty and energetic note to it, which is befitting of the little car's perky nature. The wind noise at triple digit speeds does threaten to steal the engine's concerto performance though.
On the road, the March evens out all but the biggest of bumps well, and its brakes provide decent stopping power, but those are the limits of its strengths.
The new March clearly isn't engineered to be a hot hatchback, with its overly light steering and numb feedback. Throwing it into corners at speed doesn't exactly make you feel inspired with confidence, as you get quite significant body roll and a good degree of understeer.
Having said that, most March drivers aren't likely to perform such heroics anyway, so in truth, the car's abilities are more than capable for its target customers.
Most people's first reaction upon hearing that the March has a 1.2-litre engine is that "it's going to be underpowered".
That is only partially true. While pick-up does seem a bit lagging at times, the car as a whole is able to keep up in traffic well once you get up to cruising speed. I suppose this can be put down to the car's curb weight of just 940kg, which the 75bhp engine is able to shift without much problem.
You can most certainly hear the three-cylinder engine hard at work as it powers you along, as the sound permeates through the cabin. But the engine has quite a rorty and energetic note to it, which is befitting of the little car's perky nature. The wind noise at triple digit speeds does threaten to steal the engine's concerto performance though.
On the road, the March evens out all but the biggest of bumps well, and its brakes provide decent stopping power, but those are the limits of its strengths.
The new March clearly isn't engineered to be a hot hatchback, with its overly light steering and numb feedback. Throwing it into corners at speed doesn't exactly make you feel inspired with confidence, as you get quite significant body roll and a good degree of understeer.
Having said that, most March drivers aren't likely to perform such heroics anyway, so in truth, the car's abilities are more than capable for its target customers.
Conclusion
Most cars like the March, that is, small Japanese hatchbacks, are usually bought by young drivers in their early 20s, who in all likelihood have just gotten their license, and are buying their first car.
This demographic are typically the trendy type, going for chic, youthful designs, and placing much emphasis on ease of drive and manoeuvrability.
However, even among this group of urban youngsters, there exist different categories of people, each with their own specific needs and wants.
To put the March up against its so-called direct competitors like the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift, might come across as a bit unfair, because each car appeals to their own kind of audience.
If you are a young person who wants a dash of driving fun to go along with your youthful nightly activities, go for the Swift. If you desire practicality with your ride, a young couple perhaps, take the Jazz.
However, if you are the sensible kind, who simply needs something to get you to and from wherever you want with the minimum of fuss, you'll find that the March is more than enough to suit your needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Most cars like the March, that is, small Japanese hatchbacks, are usually bought by young drivers in their early 20s, who in all likelihood have just gotten their license, and are buying their first car.
This demographic are typically the trendy type, going for chic, youthful designs, and placing much emphasis on ease of drive and manoeuvrability.
However, even among this group of urban youngsters, there exist different categories of people, each with their own specific needs and wants.
To put the March up against its so-called direct competitors like the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift, might come across as a bit unfair, because each car appeals to their own kind of audience.
If you are a young person who wants a dash of driving fun to go along with your youthful nightly activities, go for the Swift. If you desire practicality with your ride, a young couple perhaps, take the Jazz.
However, if you are the sensible kind, who simply needs something to get you to and from wherever you want with the minimum of fuss, you'll find that the March is more than enough to suit your needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Back in the day when COE prices were low (which wasn't actually that long ago, but you get what I mean), the Nissan March was actually a reasonably popular car for buyers seeking an entry-level Japanese hatchback as their first purchase.
While it wasn't exactly as immensely popular as its contemporaries like the Honda Jazz and the Suzuki Swift, the March sold well enough to hold its own in the market.
Part of the March's appeal was its cutesy looks that attracted more than its fair share of female buyers. But aside from that, the March's other trump card was its extensive equipment list.
For a car of its class, the tiny hatchback boasted of features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights, and even the very novel Ionizer air con, which was certainly an impressive feat considering the car's price tag.
It's hard to believe that it's been nearly nine years now since the previous March was launched, for it still looks as fresh as a flower today. But things have moved on since then, and so it is time for Nissan's small hatchback to March forwards (pun intended).
The new March promises to be significantly different from the car it replaces. Which is just as well, as it enters a market that is vastly different in conditions from when its cheery predecessor was around. COE prices are now nearly double of what it was back then, so the March certainly has to be doubly competitive in order to succeed. But does it have the capabilities to pull the rug from under the Swift's and Jazz's feet?
While it wasn't exactly as immensely popular as its contemporaries like the Honda Jazz and the Suzuki Swift, the March sold well enough to hold its own in the market.
Part of the March's appeal was its cutesy looks that attracted more than its fair share of female buyers. But aside from that, the March's other trump card was its extensive equipment list.
For a car of its class, the tiny hatchback boasted of features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights, and even the very novel Ionizer air con, which was certainly an impressive feat considering the car's price tag.
It's hard to believe that it's been nearly nine years now since the previous March was launched, for it still looks as fresh as a flower today. But things have moved on since then, and so it is time for Nissan's small hatchback to March forwards (pun intended).
The new March promises to be significantly different from the car it replaces. Which is just as well, as it enters a market that is vastly different in conditions from when its cheery predecessor was around. COE prices are now nearly double of what it was back then, so the March certainly has to be doubly competitive in order to succeed. But does it have the capabilities to pull the rug from under the Swift's and Jazz's feet?
|
Exterior
The new March disposes of the old car's cute and female-centric looks, for a much more grown-up design. Nissan says that they want to appeal to more guys with the new March, and it seems to have somewhat succeeded, with us anyway.
With that said, the new March hasn't been completely macho-fied.
The soft curves and generally rounded theme, always a March highlight, are still around to attract the ladies. But there are also small design details, such as the little bonnet 'bulge', slightly reminiscent of the 370Z coupe, to resonate with the men.
Even though the dimensions of the old and new car are similar, with only the length and wheelbase being slightly longer by 55mm and 10mm respectively, the new March looks a bit bigger. Perhaps this is down to the huge bumper air intake up front, which gives it a deceptively wider stance, as well as a cheeky grinning face. The enlarged round headlamps also help to accentuate the illusion as well.
Style is a subjective thing though. Some may say that the new March is now duller than the outgoing model. But personally, I feel that the car exudes a pretty handsome stance, albeit a somewhat conservative one.
|
Interior
Let's get this point out of the way first: the new Nissan March is made in Thailand. Yes, it has now joined the growing brigade of "tom yam" Japanese cars.
This is an unfortunate result of the strong yen, making it unfeasible to bring in cars from Japan at a competitive price. Having the car built in Thailand shaves significant costs from production and export.
Regrettably, this also means that equipment levels have also been pared down. The aforementioned features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights and Ionizer air con are now gone. In fact, the new March has a much more basic feel to it than before.
And it is quite unfortunate that rising COE prices means the new car is more expensive than the previous one, but those are market forces that are beyond Nissan's control. As mentioned earlier in the article, the new March now finds itself in completely different market conditions from its predecessor.
Let's get this point out of the way first: the new Nissan March is made in Thailand. Yes, it has now joined the growing brigade of "tom yam" Japanese cars.
This is an unfortunate result of the strong yen, making it unfeasible to bring in cars from Japan at a competitive price. Having the car built in Thailand shaves significant costs from production and export.
Regrettably, this also means that equipment levels have also been pared down. The aforementioned features such as keyless entry, automatic headlights and Ionizer air con are now gone. In fact, the new March has a much more basic feel to it than before.
And it is quite unfortunate that rising COE prices means the new car is more expensive than the previous one, but those are market forces that are beyond Nissan's control. As mentioned earlier in the article, the new March now finds itself in completely different market conditions from its predecessor.
Leaving that aside, as a whole the March feels pretty solid. Sure the plastics aren't fancy soft-touch ones that you find on premium cars, but you get the sense that they are hardy and made to last for years and years, and sometimes, that's all you really want out of a car.
The general theme of the interior seems to be circles, as the air vents and the controls for the air con are all set in that rounded shape, which actually gives it a rather funky sense of style.
What we didn't like, however, was the driving position. Despite numerous adjustments, neither I nor my colleague Julian could really feel comfortable. The design and the materials of the seats just didn't feel supportive enough. The adjusters for the seat back were poorly-designed and located too, which didn't help matters.
Things are better for passengers though, as there is ample legroom in the rear for five. The 241-litre capacity boot is decent for a car of its size.
One more thing: the wing mirrors on the March are really small, even for a car of its size. I mean, while the car is meant to be small and manoeuvrable, bigger-sized mirrors would most certainly be helpful.
The general theme of the interior seems to be circles, as the air vents and the controls for the air con are all set in that rounded shape, which actually gives it a rather funky sense of style.
What we didn't like, however, was the driving position. Despite numerous adjustments, neither I nor my colleague Julian could really feel comfortable. The design and the materials of the seats just didn't feel supportive enough. The adjusters for the seat back were poorly-designed and located too, which didn't help matters.
Things are better for passengers though, as there is ample legroom in the rear for five. The 241-litre capacity boot is decent for a car of its size.
One more thing: the wing mirrors on the March are really small, even for a car of its size. I mean, while the car is meant to be small and manoeuvrable, bigger-sized mirrors would most certainly be helpful.
|
The Drive
Most people's first reaction upon hearing that the March has a 1.2-litre engine is that "it's going to be underpowered".
That is only partially true. While pick-up does seem a bit lagging at times, the car as a whole is able to keep up in traffic well once you get up to cruising speed. I suppose this can be put down to the car's curb weight of just 940kg, which the 75bhp engine is able to shift without much problem.
You can most certainly hear the three-cylinder engine hard at work as it powers you along, as the sound permeates through the cabin. But the engine has quite a rorty and energetic note to it, which is befitting of the little car's perky nature. The wind noise at triple digit speeds does threaten to steal the engine's concerto performance though.
On the road, the March evens out all but the biggest of bumps well, and its brakes provide decent stopping power, but those are the limits of its strengths.
The new March clearly isn't engineered to be a hot hatchback, with its overly light steering and numb feedback. Throwing it into corners at speed doesn't exactly make you feel inspired with confidence, as you get quite significant body roll and a good degree of understeer.
Having said that, most March drivers aren't likely to perform such heroics anyway, so in truth, the car's abilities are more than capable for its target customers.
Most people's first reaction upon hearing that the March has a 1.2-litre engine is that "it's going to be underpowered".
That is only partially true. While pick-up does seem a bit lagging at times, the car as a whole is able to keep up in traffic well once you get up to cruising speed. I suppose this can be put down to the car's curb weight of just 940kg, which the 75bhp engine is able to shift without much problem.
You can most certainly hear the three-cylinder engine hard at work as it powers you along, as the sound permeates through the cabin. But the engine has quite a rorty and energetic note to it, which is befitting of the little car's perky nature. The wind noise at triple digit speeds does threaten to steal the engine's concerto performance though.
On the road, the March evens out all but the biggest of bumps well, and its brakes provide decent stopping power, but those are the limits of its strengths.
The new March clearly isn't engineered to be a hot hatchback, with its overly light steering and numb feedback. Throwing it into corners at speed doesn't exactly make you feel inspired with confidence, as you get quite significant body roll and a good degree of understeer.
Having said that, most March drivers aren't likely to perform such heroics anyway, so in truth, the car's abilities are more than capable for its target customers.
Conclusion
Most cars like the March, that is, small Japanese hatchbacks, are usually bought by young drivers in their early 20s, who in all likelihood have just gotten their license, and are buying their first car.
This demographic are typically the trendy type, going for chic, youthful designs, and placing much emphasis on ease of drive and manoeuvrability.
However, even among this group of urban youngsters, there exist different categories of people, each with their own specific needs and wants.
To put the March up against its so-called direct competitors like the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift, might come across as a bit unfair, because each car appeals to their own kind of audience.
If you are a young person who wants a dash of driving fun to go along with your youthful nightly activities, go for the Swift. If you desire practicality with your ride, a young couple perhaps, take the Jazz.
However, if you are the sensible kind, who simply needs something to get you to and from wherever you want with the minimum of fuss, you'll find that the March is more than enough to suit your needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Most cars like the March, that is, small Japanese hatchbacks, are usually bought by young drivers in their early 20s, who in all likelihood have just gotten their license, and are buying their first car.
This demographic are typically the trendy type, going for chic, youthful designs, and placing much emphasis on ease of drive and manoeuvrability.
However, even among this group of urban youngsters, there exist different categories of people, each with their own specific needs and wants.
To put the March up against its so-called direct competitors like the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift, might come across as a bit unfair, because each car appeals to their own kind of audience.
If you are a young person who wants a dash of driving fun to go along with your youthful nightly activities, go for the Swift. If you desire practicality with your ride, a young couple perhaps, take the Jazz.
However, if you are the sensible kind, who simply needs something to get you to and from wherever you want with the minimum of fuss, you'll find that the March is more than enough to suit your needs.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Nissan March 1.2 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.9km/L
Horsepower
57kW (76 bhp)
Torque
104 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Nissan March
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