Nissan unveils the new Micra

The fourth-generation Micra/March is set to be a truly global car, with Nissan planning to sell the city car in 160 different markets worldwide. "The car has to charm a global audience," said Nissan designer Makoto Yamane. "Its face had to look stylish and have an air of sophistication to it."

The new Micra features body-coloured mouldings, a larger front bumper with one-piece radiator grille, and a flatter rear, but otherwise retains the same general shape as its predecessor. Nissan has also made the car "slightly longer and marginally lower", which results in a longer wheelbase, and thus an increase in cabin space, while still retaining a tight turning radius of 4.5 metres.

Engine choices will vary according to markets, but Europe will only get two engines. The first is a brand new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 78bhp and 108Nm of torque. The other is a supercharged direct injection 1.2-litre engine with start/stop function that produces 96bhp and 142Nm of torque. The Micra comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a new CVT unit.

Nissan has loaded the new Micra with equipment, such as the Nissan Connect touch-screen infotainment unit, sat-nav, glass roof, and the Intelligent Key. There are also reverse sensors, and a parking assist system with three settings to help amateur, normal, and expert drivers squeeze into tight parking spots. The new Micra/March will go on sale in Thailand later this month, with other markets expected to get the car shortly after. European sales will commence in November.