Nissan has used supercharging for the Micra, but unlike most supercharger applications, its purpose is not for greasy fast speed.

No, this supercharger results in a Micra boasting 95g/km of CO₂ and 68.9mpg, which means it will cost nothing in annual VED when it comes to the UK. It's also free to saunter around the London congestion zone as it pleases.

Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Micra DIG-S (Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger) engine develops 97bhp. It's a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit.

Nissan promises 'sparkling performance' from the engine, which is also available with a CVT automatic - although that de-sweetens the environmental cake. The CO₂ figure for that version is 115g/km.

Pierre Loing, the Vice President of Product Strategy and Planning at Nissan International, says: "We have been able to achieve this ultra low CO₂ figure in a cost effective package and without the complication of particulate filters needed to clean up diesel engine emissions and which are not entirely compatible with a car that spends much of its life in the city."

Sales start this summer. No prices yet.

Mark Nichol - 18 Feb 2011