What's the news?

The new Nissan Micra unveiled today (June 4) has been changed so considerably from the model it replaces that it may as well be an entirely new car. Both the interior and exterior have been restyled; and new technology is available in abundance.

Exterior

Up front, everything has changed. The bumper, headlamps, bonnet and wings are all new; as is the grille that is styled to match the rest of Nissan's current line-up. The front fog lamps have also been redesigned. It's a similar story round the back where a new bumper has been fitted and LED lighting replaces the current generation's clusters. Metallic Pearl Blue and Platinum Sage join the colour palette and a new design of 15- and 16-inch alloy wheel can be had.

Interior

The Micra's brand new centre console has been designed with gloss black and silver inserts; and higher grades of materials are used elsewhere. The new dash also plays host to a raft of new toys. Every model now gets aux-in and USB connectivity; while a more integrated stereo is fitted to all versions apart from the entry level Visia spec.

Mid-range Acenta models also add Bluetooth connectivity, a leather trimmed steering wheel, climate control and auto wipers and lights; whereas top-spec Tekna versions gain faux-suede seats, electric folding mirrors and a starter button.

Also new to the Micra is its optional satnav system. NissanConnect comes with a 5.8-inch display and features technology such as eco-routing that will plot routes according to how much fuel will be used. The new system also incorporates Google Send-To-Car, enabling users to plot routes on a computer and then send the information to the car's satnav system.

Parking sensors combined with Nissan's Parking Slot Measurement system should come in handy when stopping in town as well.

Mechanicals

Under the bonnet is Nissan's new 1.2-litre three-cylinder DIG-S petrol unit that develops 'diesel rivalling' performance figures. The 98hp engine emits 95g/km of CO₂ while returning 68.9mpg; thanks in part to its stop-start system. Also available is a traditional four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine developing 80hp and producing 115g/km of CO₂.

Anything else?

A release date for the upgraded Micra has yet to be revealed, as has the price; however, we'd expect entry-level Visia models to be on sale from around £10,000.

James Giddings - 4 Jun 2013