Key facts:
Model tested: Nissan Micra 1.2 Tekna 5-dr, Nissan Micra 1.2 CVT Acenta 5-dr
Price: £12,095, £11,545
Date tested: September 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

First Drive
This is the fourth generation of Nissan Micra, and while many superminis have grown, the Micra has remained small.

That's one reason why it's the cleanest petrol supermini, so even the entry-level 'no-frills' model is a genuine green alternative to VW's Bluemotion or Ford's Econetic models. Most competitors use diesel engines to obtain such low CO2 figures, with a larger price tag as a result.

Whereas the previous Micra polarised opinion with its tree-frog looks, Nissan has decided to make this new model far less radical.

That's mainly because this is Nissan's first car destined for global sales - in more than 160 different countries - so it needs to appeal to a very wide audience. It will be sold only as a five-door hatchback, with no three-door or CC convertible.

The nose is wider, and the arched-roof, which characterises the Micra, has been stretched back and fitted with a spoiler to give the new car a cleaner, more aerodynamic design and save fuel. This has also had the welcome effect of giving rear passengers more headroom.

Unfortunately the overall design results in a less striking car than the funky outgoing Micra, even when it's painted bright green.

The interior is disappointing too, with cheaper materials and a more basic look and feel than other recently released superminis. The circular heater controls and display are out of kilter with the very rectangular Nissan Connect sat-nav (a reasonable £400 option), and the plastics feel scratchy and hard.

Whereas rivals including the Fiesta and Polo have made huge leaps forward in interior quality, it's debatable whether the new Micra's interior is an improvement on the outgoing model.

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Despite this, technology has improved and six airbags, stability control, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and an AUX stereo input are standard across the range.

Practicality is improved though, with more legroom and a decent 265-litre boot, which extends to 1,132 litres with the rear seats folded and tumbled forwards to give a flat boot floor.

When it goes on sale in October, only a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol will be available, with a five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. It has 79bhp and 81lb/ft of pulling power, accelerating the Micra to 62mph in 13.7 seconds.

Behind the wheel it feels quicker than the figures suggest, while average fuel consumption is pegged at 56.5mpg.

The optional CVT automatic gearbox feels well suited to the car in relaxed urban driving. The manual gearbox is more adept when the road gets hilly or when faster country routes are tackled.

The suspension is softer than most rivals, so it soaks up big bumps well, and will suit anyone after pain-free motoring, partly thanks to its ultra-tight turning circle.

Its low price tag and emissions bring eco-motoring to the masses, and the Micra will offer hassle-free ownership. However, the global sales approach has given the Micra looks and an interior which are behind the best models on sale in supermini-obsessed Britain.