1988 Nissan Micra GSX Automatic Review | 50bhp, 0-60 in “Maybe”… Still More Engaging Than New Cars

Driving a 1988 Nissan Micra GSX Automatic in 2026 completely reminds you how old is gold, even when it wasn’t back in the day! This ultra-low mileage original K10 Nissan Micra review explores why lightweight analogue classics with manual steering, tiny dimensions and just 50bhp can still feel more engaging, more connected and more enjoyable than many modern cars packed with screens and driver aids. In this video I take a rare heritage fleet 1988 Nissan Micra GSX Auto for a drive at Millbrook Proving Ground during SMMT Test Day, exploring its quirky 3-speed automatic gearbox, featherweight steering, practical interior, retro dashboard, cassette player, classic 1980s Japanese engineering and surprisingly usable everyday character. With only 5,292 miles from new, this immaculate first-generation Nissan Micra K10 is effectively a rolling time capsule from an era when small cars were simple, honest and brilliantly engineered. We also look at the history of the original Nissan Micra, why the K10 became such an iconic first car in the UK, how it compares to modern hatchbacks and why old-school Japanese cars are becoming increasingly collectible. Plus thoughts on the new electric Nissan Micra EV and whether modern cars have lost some of the charm that made classics like this so lovable. If you remember the Nissan Micra from the 1980s or 1990s, let me know your memories in the comments! Visit and subscribe: https://BrownCarGuy.com for more motoring stories, videos and updates! SUBSCRIBE for more motoring news, car reviews and insights! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy?sub_confirmation=1 And follow all my channels https://linktr.ee/browncarguy 🔥 MY BOOKS ON AMAZON! 🔥 https://browncarguy.com/2025/05/12/browncarguy-books/ 📖 Want to become an automotive journalist, content creator, or car influencer? Check out my book: How to be an Automotive Content Creator 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/7VTs0ii 📖 The ULEZ Files – My all-action thriller set in a dystopian ULEZ future! 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/jhADkOt 📖 Quantum Races – A collection of my best automotive sci-fi short stories! 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/0Y93s9g 📌 SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALISM Enjoy my content? Support the channel using the links below! Every little helps. 👉🏽 Channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy/join 👉🏽 Buy me a Coffee! https://ko-fi.com/browncarguy 👉🏽 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/BrownCarGuy 🙏🏽☺️ 🚗 Want to work with me? Sponsorships, reviews, collabs – DM me! Big Thanks to Design5IT www.Design5IT.co.uk Please subscribe to my channel for more videos like this - and make sure you hit the bell icon to switch on notifications. 📲 Follow @BrownCarGuy everywhere! 📧 Contact me for collaborations, freelance work, or press/media enquiries. #NissanMicra #ClassicCars #BrownCarGuy