IN the world of high fashion, looks change with the season. The same goes for the world of stylishly elegant city cars, and the Micra is no exception.

Just two years after it went on sale, the model has gone under the technician's shears. And there are more changes beneath its skin.

The resulting nip 'n' tuck, plus colour makeover, keeps the Micra looking pretty smart. New Sport and 160SR versions are on sale now, and a Micra C+C coup-convertible comes later.

United Kingdom customers can choose from two Micra collections: Classic and Sport.

Aside from the new 160SR, changes made to the Micra might look minor... but they go deeper than a quick glance suggests. The most obvious external changes are a new-look nose and tail, while inside there are revised seats and trim. Outside and in there are new colours, too.

A revised grille now incorporates a longer horizontal silver bar in front of a honeycomb mesh, while grille-mounted front direction indicators are better integrated with clear glass rather than amber lenses.

The lower portion of the front bumper assembly has also been changed - there are now two distinct versions to differentiate sporting Micras from the Classic models.

The Sport and 160SR have an aggressive-looking wide intake with a more angular shape to the moulding, and deep inset fog lamps either side. The Classic range has a more rounded opening and the overall design of the bumper is curvier with integrated rubbing strips.

Sporting models also have revised rear bumpers with a lower central cut-out and pronounced lower ridge. They also feature a new body colour roof spoiler. Classic models have a slimmer rear bumper and new rubbing strips.

More significant changes can be found in the detail. Major programmes have been undertaken to improve the car's refinement levels, with better sound-proofing and extra measures taken to isolate noise from the engine compartment. The enhancements even extend to thicker door glass to reduce wind and traffic noise.

There's more comfort on offer with supportive seats, while the revised dashboard includes a new trip computer housed within the instrument panel rather than the centre console: this not only makes the information easier to access but also permits the option of an in-dash six disc CD-changer in the console.

The 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre versions of the familiar 16-valve twin cam unit and the two 1.5-litre clean and economical common-rail diesel models continue unchanged. But the 1.0-litre engine previously fitted to the entry-level Micra E has now been replaced with a 65PS version of the 1.2-litre.

At the top of the range, there is a brand new engine developed specifically for the Micra. It is based on a new 1.5-litre engine (used for Japanese-market models) except that it has been increased in capacity to 1598cc to develop 110PS and 153Nm of torque. The new engine can be found not only in the 160SR, but also later in the C+C.

In keeping with the exterior changes, the Micra is now offered in cool blue (a light ice blue) and caf latte paint shades, as well as a red and green previously available only on the Urbis limited edition. New wheel trims and 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheel designs (standard on the 160SR, optional on certain other models) also feature.

Colour revisions can also be found inside the latest Micra. Consultants at Nissan's new colour studio in Paddington identified street fashion combinations such as ice blue/chestnut and sand/chestnut from hanging out in the trendier parts of London and people-watching. In both cases, the lighter colour can be found on the seats, revised door trims and dashboard. For the not so brave, an all-black interior is also available.

New seat designs, including a more firmly bolstered version for Sport and 160SR models, provide greater comfort and support. There are a total of 11 different colour/fabric combinations, including two-tone leather trim that is optional on the 160SR.

The dashboard has been altered with the trip computer read-out repositioned between the dials in the instrument panel.

One of the keys to new Micra's sales success has been the inclusion of practical technology. The Intelligent Key, which allows the doors and boot to be locked and unlocked and the engine started without the need to dive deep into a handbag or pocket, has proved to be a much loved feature and is retained on the SVE. It is optional on others as part of the Clever Pack.

Customers browsing at their local Nissan store will be able to select from two Micra lines, Classic and Sport. There are four Classic styles: E, S, SE and SVE. Alternatively, on the trendy rail there are three: Sport, Sport with Appearance pack, and 160SR.

The Micra E is powered by a new version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine and gives 65PS. At £8,075 for the three-door or £8,725 for the five-door, Nissan would argue it makes an interesting real car alternative to the new crop of smaller city runabouts.

Dixon Nissan, Clifton Moorgate, Clifton Moor, York (01904 695795)

Atkin Motor Engineers, Swinton, Malton (01653 693610).

Updated: 10:53 Friday, June 24, 2005