Review
The current generation Micra's cute styling has aged surprisingly well, and it's still one of our recommended buys from the bewildering choice thrown up by the supermini segment.
The big downside is its relative lack of space when compared to more modern rivals like the Fiat Grande Punto and Vauxhall Corsa. The Micra has poor room for rear seat occupants and a tiny boot - although it makes up for much of this with decent standard equipment.
The upside is a very well constructed interior, a decent driving position and a terrific little chassis - even the most basic Micra is a great companion over a winding "B" road. And although the little Nissan is clearly happiest in town, motorway performance is respectable for a car of this type.
The basic 1.2 litre petrol engine combines excellent fuel economy with enthusiastic performance. It's hardly a rocketship, but it's certainly fast enough for the Micra's target audience. The 1.4 petrol motor is only slightly faster, and we can't see much point in the 1.6, which is expensive and offers barely "warm" levels of performance. The Renault-derived DCi diesel is impressively punchy and very frugal.