Vehicle: 2007 Nissan March
Price as tested: HK$124800

Performance: Even though Nissan called it a 1.2L, its actually a 1240cc powerhouse. No matter what Nissan would love us to call this motor, it has nothing to write home about. Or should I said nothing good to write home about. Yes, I can understand being a low displacement 1.2L. Engine performance and NVH would definitely be taking a toll. However, I have driven many 1.3L that have far superior refinement and responsiveness despite the displacement difference. 90 hp sounds like a lot for such a light car. But without proper fine-tuning and an automatic that is lazy for every shifts, nothing can help this engine. BTW, when I pushed this engine up a slope. I smell some rotten burning smell from the engine bay. I guess it really can’t take the pedal-to-the-metal acceleration when gearbox is finding the right gear. This engine does scream “god help me” with such smell.

Handling: Nissan claimed the facelifted version has improved its rough low-speed ride and comical steering. But I still find the low-speed ride stiff and high speed ride quality floaty. It feels very floaty when you are thrashing the hard-working engine at 120 km/h. Steering feel shouldn’t be a topic with March’s dynamics. Or does March have anything else called dynamics? As for body rolls, it rolls like an Explorer with expired Firestone tires driven with 2 wheels hang on one side. Understeer? If you can get the March up to speed, enter a corner with that scary steering and a wall or tree isn’t too far behind!!!

Brakes: To stop the March is a better alternative than pushing one. In fact, this is the best merit of the whole car. But then again, everything else is so average.

Interior: Despite of Nissan’s typical cheap plastic, its better to sit inside a March than driven one. Those velour seats are comfortable but not much thigh support. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Tachometer is very important before any rotten burning smell coming from the bonnet. Speedometer is not as important as one can’t drive it fast. The knobs for climate control are of high-quality materials, completely outclassed the rest of the dashboard.

Conclusion: The worse car I have ever driven last year was the Versa, which is the larger silibing of the March. With this March, Nissan has upped-the-ante by another rubbish econocar. The March isn’t cheap, isn’t performing well, can’t spell the word h-a-n-d-l-i-n-g and comfort level is just acceptable. Beauty is more than skin deep. Unfortunately, March isn’t going to win any beauty contest neither.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 NISSAN MARCH
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Performance: 1/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 1/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 1/5
Cargo/accessibilty/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 1/5

Overall rating: 1/5