Nissan March 2021 is an updated version of the iconic subcompact hatchback, which has remained one of the most popular city cars in the world for more than 30 years. In Russia the model is known as Micra (in Europe), but on the domestic market it was officially sold under the name March - before leaving Nissan out of the country in 2022. Despite this, used 2021 model year models continue to be in demand due to their economy, maneuverability and time-tested platform.
In 2021 March received minor cosmetic updates: a modified radiator grille, new body color options and a modified multimedia system with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. Under the hood there are proven engines - naturally aspirated 1.2 liter and turbocharged 0.9 liter (depending on the market), as well as a variator Xtronic, which became more responsive after the 2020 firmware. But how relevant is this car today? Is it worth buying March 2021 used or better consider alternatives like Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i20? Let's look into it in detail.
Technical specifications Nissan March 2021
Under the hood Nissan March 2021 - two gasoline engines, both with a distributed injection system and compliance with environmental standards Euro 6. The base engine is naturally aspirated HR12DE volume 1.2 liters, developing 79 hp at 6000 rpm. It is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT Xtronic. This is enough for city driving, but on the highway when overtaking you have to actively use the kickdown.
The more dynamic version was equipped with a turbocharged HR09DET volume 0.9 liters and power 90 hp (paired only with a CVT). This engine is 10–15% more economical, but requires higher quality fuel (at least AI-95) and needs an oil change more often. Both engines are reliable, but have their own “childhood diseases” - more about this in the section on repairs.
- 🔧 Engines: 1.2 (79 hp) / 0.9T (90 hp)
- ⚙️ Gearboxes: 5MT / CVT Xtronic
- ⛽ Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 5.2–5.8 l/100 km
- 🚗 Drive: front
- 📏 Ground clearance: 150 mm
| Parameter | 1.2 (79 hp) | 0.9T (90 hp) |
|---|---|---|
| Max. speed, km/h | 165 | 175 |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s | 13.7 | 11.3 |
| Consumption in the city, l/100 km | 6.5 | 5.9 |
| Tank volume, l | 41 | 41 |
⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic in March 2021 is sensitive to overheating. When towing or driving for long periods of time at high speeds (over 140 km/h), it is recommended to stop for 5-10 minutes every 30-40 minutes to cool the transmission.
Options and prices for Nissan March 2021 in Russia
In 2021 Nissan March officially delivered to Russia in three trim levels: Visia (basic), Acenta (average) and Tekna (top). After the brand left the market, new cars stopped being sold, but used cars can be found at the following prices (at the end of 2023):
- 💰 Visia (2021, 1.2 MT): 850 000–950 000 ₽
- 💰 Acenta (2021, 1.2 CVT): 1 000 000–1 150 000 ₽
- 💰 Tekna (2021, 0.9T CVT): 1 200 000–1 400 000 ₽
In basic Visia there were only the necessary options: two airbags, air conditioning, electric windows and an audio system with Bluetooth. Acenta added climate control, a rear view camera and 15-inch alloy wheels. Top Tekna offered a leather steering wheel, system NissanConnect with navigation, LED headlights and parking sensors.
⚠️ Attention: When buying used March 2021, check the service history - many dealers skimped on changing the oil in the variator, which leads to its premature wear. Optimal mileage for purchase: up to 40,000 km.
- 1.2 (79 hp)
- 0.9T (90 hp)
- I don't care
- I don't know
Pros and cons of Nissan March 2021
Nissan March 2021 is a typical representative of the “city kids” class: compact, economical, but with certain compromises. Let's look at its key advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits:
- 🚗 Maneuverability: The turning radius is only 4.6 m - ideal for parking in tight yards.
- ⛽ Economical: Fuel consumption in the city does not exceed 6.5 l/100 km even with a CVT.
- 🔧 Reliability: Engines HR12DE And HR09DET with proper maintenance they last 300,000+ km.
- 💺 Spacious interior: Despite its external compactness, there is enough space in the back for two adults (height up to 180 cm).
Disadvantages:
- 🛣️ Noise: At speeds over 90 km/h, noise from the wheels and wind can be heard in the cabin.
- 🔊 Poor sound insulation: The engine and variator are clearly audible during active acceleration.
- 💨 Suspension: It’s tough even in top trim levels—you can feel all the bumps in the road.
- 🔋 Battery: The weak standard battery (55 Ah) often dies in winter during short trips.
Main advantage March - price/reliability ratio. This is one of the few subcompacts that does not require expensive repairs for the first 150,000 km when used correctly.
Comparison with competitors: March vs Yaris vs i20
In the class of subcompact hatchbacks, Nissan March there are two main competitors: Toyota Yaris (4th generation) and Hyundai i20 (3rd generation). All three models are similar in size and price, but differ in character and reliability. Let's compare them based on key parameters.
| Parameter | Nissan March 2021 | Toyota Yaris 2021 | Hyundai i20 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum used price, ₽ | 850 000 | 950 000 | 900 000 |
| Base engine power, hp | 79 | 92 (1.0T) | 100 (1.0T) |
| Consumption in the city, l/100 km | 6.5 | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| Trunk volume, l | 280 | 286 | 351 |
| Warranty for a new car, years | — (not for sale) | 3 | 5 |
What to choose?
- March — if you need maximum reliability and low cost of ownership. Suitable for quiet city driving.
- Yaris — if the dynamics and prestige of the brand are important. Turbo engine 1.0T more powerful, but more expensive to repair.
- i20 — if you need a spacious interior and trunk, as well as a long warranty (for new models).
During a test drive March Pay attention to the smooth operation of the variator when switching between “D” and “R”. Jerks or delays of more than 1 second may indicate an imminent transmission repair.
Common problems and repairs Nissan March 2021
Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan March The 2021 model has several weak points that you should be aware of before purchasing. Most of them are related to savings on materials or design features.
Frequent faults:
- 🔥 CVT overheating: When driving aggressively or towing, the oil in Xtronic quickly degrades. Recommended replacement is every 60,000 km (the official schedule is 90,000 km).
- 🔊 Knock in the front suspension: Most often, the stabilizer links or strut mounts are to blame. Replacement costs 8,000–12,000 rubles.
- 🔋 Battery discharge: A weak generator (80 A) does not always have time to charge the battery on short trips. The solution is to install a 60–65 Ah battery.
- 💡 Lamp burnout: Bulbs in headlights and taillights often fail (especially brake lights). The culprit is poor sealing of the headlight units.
Critical issue: In some batches March In 2020–2021, there was a defect in the fuel pump, leading to jerks during acceleration. Nissan recalled these cars to replace the pump under warranty, but after the brand left Russia, service support was stopped. Please check the VIN recall history before purchasing.
Condition of the oil in the variator (should be light brown, without a burnt smell)
Air conditioner operation (a common problem is freon leakage)
Play in the steering rack (typical for cars with mileage > 60,000 km)
Integrity of CV joint boots (replacement required if ruptured)
-->
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about Nissan March 2021, we analyzed reviews from owners on the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and on social networks. Here are the points they highlight most often:
Positive Feedback:
- 👍 “For two years and 30,000 km - not a single breakdown. Only maintenance and oil change. Consumption in the city is 6.2 l/100 km.” (Alexey, Moscow)
- 👍 “Parks great, fits into any hole. You can’t find a better car for the city.” (Olga, St. Petersburg)
- 👍 “The variator works smoothly if you don’t drive it. The main thing is to change the oil every 50,000 km.” (Dmitry, Ekaterinburg)
Negative feedback:
- 👎 “In winter at −20°C the car doesn’t start well, you have to warm up the battery.” (Igor, Novosibirsk)
- 👎 “The suspension is stiff, you can hear all the knocks on the bumps. After 20,000 km, I replaced the stabilizer struts.” (Sergey, Kazan)
- 👎 “The noise is terrible - on the highway it’s like a bucket. But for this money, what else can you expect?” (Anna, Krasnoyarsk)
What do they say about the 0.9T turbo engine?
Owners March with engine HR09DET they note its efficiency (consumption 5.5–5.8 l/100 km), but complain about “turbo lag” when overtaking. The engine requires high-quality oil (for example, 5W-30 from Mobil 1 or Liqui Moly) and needs to replace spark plugs more often (every 30,000 km instead of 60,000 km for atmospheric variants).
How to extend the life of Nissan March 2021: maintenance tips
To Nissan March served more than 200,000 km without major investments, follow these recommendations:
- CVT oil: Change every 60,000 km (original
NS-3or equivalent Idemitsu CVTF). Do not use universal gear oils! - Fuel: For HR09DET fill only
AI-95orAI-98from verified gas stations. Atmospheric HR12DE less picky, but also does not like “scorched” fuel. - Suspension: Every 20,000 km, check the condition of the CV joint boots and silent blocks. If knocking noises occur, immediately change the stabilizer struts.
- Battery: In winter, recharge the battery once a month (if you drive little) or install a more capacious battery (for example, Varta Blue Dynamic 60 Ah).
Also don't ignore routine maintenance:
- Engine oil change - every 10,000 km (synthetic
5W-30or5W-40). - Replace air and cabin filters every 15,000 km.
- Checking brake pads and discs - every 20,000 km.
The most common cause of breakdowns March - savings on consumables. For example, cheap oil in a variator leads to its failure after 80,000 km, and non-original spark plugs lead to misfires and increased fuel consumption.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan March 2021
❓ How much does it cost to change the oil in a variator? Nissan March 2021?
Cost of changing the oil in a variator Xtronic in the service is 6 000–9 000 ₽ (including original oil NS-3 and filter). If you make a partial replacement (without removing the pan), the price drops to 4,000–5,000 rubles. A complete replacement (with removal of the pan and washing) is recommended every 120,000 km.
❓ Is it possible to tow Nissan March with a variator?
Towing March with variator permitted only on rigid coupling at a speed of no more than 50 km/h and at a distance of up to 50 km. If the variator is faulty, transportation is only possible with the front wheels hanging (on a tow truck). Otherwise, the risk of damage to the transmission is 80%.
❓ What is the fuel consumption Nissan March 1.2 on the highway?
At a speed of 90–110 km/h, fuel consumption is 4.8–5.2 l/100 km. When driving at a speed of 120–130 km/h, consumption increases to 5.8–6.2 l/100 km due to aerodynamic drag. To reduce consumption, it is recommended to maintain tire pressure at 2.2–2.4 bar and use fuel AI-95.
❓ Which tires are better to put on Nissan March in winter?
Optimal winter tire sizes for March 2021: 175/65 R15 or 185/60 R15. Among the popular models, owners recommend:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (soft tires, good grip on ice),
- Michelin X-Ice North 4 (durability, low noise),
- Bridgestone Blizzak VRX (balance of price and quality).
The pressure in winter tires should be 0.2 bar higher than summer tires (for example, 2.4 bar instead of 2.2 bar).
❓ Where can you buy spare parts for Nissan March after the brand leaves Russia?
Despite leaving Nissan from the Russian market, spare parts for March 2021 available:
- Official dealers (remains in warehouses),
- Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc.ru),
- Disassembly (for example, Bamper.by or Avito),
- Parallel import (spare parts from the UAE or Turkey).
Average prices for popular consumables:
- Oil filter - 300–500 ₽,
- Brake pads (front) — 2,500–3,500 ₽,
- Spark plugs (set) - 1,200–1,800 ₽.