The BASE Micra is a great car. Seriously. Drive other cars priced like it, and it's the class leader. For anyone that MUST have a new car and is on a super tight budget, the Micra is the best car around.
But, start adding options, and that value equation is shot to crap. You're suddenly into the much more substantial compact class and the Micra just pales in comparison in terms of comfort and level of equipment.
Personally, I'd buy a $10K used car because you can get a shocking amount of car even at that price, but some people must have new.