Nissan Micra

Unlike most Japanese cars, the Micra – in all its previous guises – had longevity. The first and second generation stuck around for a decade apiece (1983 to 1992, and 1992 to 2003), while the outgoing one is still selling well in its seventh year.

Britain loves the Micra. A third of those still in use in Europe can be found here.

It can also stake a claim for being one of the most driven cars on the planet, as its user-friendliness made it a popular driving school steed. Most crucially for a private buyer, it also came with the promise of strong credentials for reliability.

So the new one, created from scratch, is facing a big ask. It also has to overcome a slight problem that the old one had, namely that one half of the population saw it as something of a girlie car. That explains why the new Micra looks a little more conservative in comparison, not quite so rounded and cuddly, but with a non-threatening look.

The Micra stands out by virtue of its simplicity and its honesty. There’s no pretence and no misguided ambition to take on the premium class.

The line-up is simple, too. There is only one five-door bodystyle, and the three specification grades follow the traditional Nissan practice, starting with Visia, followed by Acenta and then Tekna You can count on the same approach on the inside too. Uncomplicated is the best way of summing it up. Slide behind the wheel and it won’t take more than 30 seconds to locate all the switches and controls. You could chuck the handbook out of the window and never miss it. Try doing that if you are a virgin Mini driver.

This approach doesn’t make it dull to look at, either: the heating and ventilation controls are grouped in a circular manner in the centre of the dashboard, while the chunky steering wheel and clear instruments show some flair.

Nissan has gone heavy with the technology, too, even if the Micra doesn’t shout about it. Just like the old car, it can be specified with keyless entry and start, still a rarity in this class.

There’s also a parking guidance system which will check the spaces between cars parked at the side of the road and tell you whether the car will fit or not. Useful, perhaps, for those moments of indecisiveness, but probably an unnecessary extravagance for most.

Every model comes with ESP too, which is an option costing several hundreds on many rivals.

Acenta is predicted to be the most popular choice, offering 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, front fog lamps, body-coloured handles and mirrors and cruise control on top of Visia models.

But even the entry model gets a drive computer, CD player and aux-in facility, trip computer, remote central locking, electric power steering, manual air-conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Micra is the first of three small cars from Nissan to get the new so-called V platform, which contributes significantly to the Micra being lighter than its predecessor, despite better crash performance.

Fire up the Micra and the first thing you notice is the distinctive thrum of the new engine. The 1.2-litre petrol unit has three rather than four cylinders, and that means less weight and a keenness to rev.

There’s no diesel offering, but with average fuel consumption from the 79bhp engine at 56.5mpg (8mpg better than the previous version) and with CO2 emissions down to 115g/km there is no need for a diesel choice. In addition, a supercharged version with almost 100bhp is on the horizon, with emissions reduced to 99g/km.

But this lower-output 1.2-litre engine is more than enough to pull the Micra along easily and seems to belie the 13.7 seconds 0-62mph sprint time, whether mated to the five-speed manual or the new CVT transmission. It’s brisk enough and, as you’d expect, a doddle to drive, with the kind of accuracy and good-weighting that has become something of a Japanese trademark. I cannot think of an easier car to drive than the Micra, and that ease of use is undoubtedly part of its enduring appeal.

Refinement is right up there too, with the suspension being tuned to deal with urban scars rather than hairpin turns. It can handle the bends, but most buyers will spend their time on tougher streets.

There’s good space in the Micra – the new model is 6cm longer and marginally wider than the outgoing one – with tweaks to the body shape designed to increase rear headroom. The boot is no more than respectable considering the compact exterior, but dropping the seats brings not only a wealth of space but a flat floor too.

Understandably, Nissan has stuck with a successful recipe. But the excellent engineering underneath makes the Micra a quality car to own, and the supercharged version due in the summer should provide a welcome boost.

Nissan Micra fact file

Model: 1.2 Acenta £11,691 (Micra range from £9,250 to £12,350).

Engine: 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol, producing 79bhp and 81lb.ft of torque.

Transmission: Five-speed manual driving the front wheels.

Performance: Top speed 106mph, 0-62mph in 13.7 seconds.

Economy: 56.5mpg combined.

CO2 Rating: 115g/km C02.