Key Facts:
Model tested: Nissan Micra 1.2 Tekna
On the road price: £12,350
Date tested: January 2011
Road tester:Richard Dredge

The fourth-generation Nissan Micra is bigger and safer but less distinctive than before. But while it's rather anonymous, it is modern, with its bulbous headlamps, short overhangs and upright stance.

Inside it's equally up-to-date, although the design doesn't gel quite so successfully. There's a clash of curves and straight edges, while the materials used are generally hard plastics, so it looks cheap in places.

However, while the Micra is clearly built down to a price - just like its rivals - it doesn't feel as flimsy as some, as the doors and tailgate shut with the feeling of solidity that you get in larger cars.

That big-car theme continues with the available equipment, as the new Micra can be specified with a rear camera to aid parking, along with a park assist function that will seek out a suitable slot for parallel parking. Manoeuvring in general is aided by a class-leading turning circle of just 4.65 metres.

At launch there will only be a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Producing 79bhp and 81lb/ft of pulling power, this all-new three-cylinder is clean and economical - it produces 115g/km of CO2 and can average 56.5mpg.

More impressive though is the 97bhp supercharged 1.2-litre engine, which arrives this summer. Despite being more powerful, CO2 emissions are cut to just 95g/km, while average fuel consumption will be around 70mpg.

Such figures mean Nissan sees no point in offering a diesel option, and it's hard to argue with such logic as the petrol engine is smooth, quiet and characterful with its three-cylinder thrum.

With the standard five-speed manual gearbox the Micra is quick enough - top speed is 105mph while 0-62mph takes 13.7 seconds.

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Such figures ensure there isn't an exhilarating drive on the menu, but it's far from painful, and once up to speed the Micra will cruise quite happily at 70mph.

The optional CVT automatic gearbox costs an extra £950. Predictably, the manual transmission is much nicer to use, as the CVT is slow to change gear.

Whichever transmission is chosen, refinement is good rather than exceptional, although the large glass sunroof of our test car produced a lot of wind noise.

That sunroof doesn't rob the car of head room though, of which there's plenty in the front as well as the back. Access to the back seats is hampered by the plunging roof line however, so it's easy to bash your head as you get in.

Once in, rear-seat leg room is good, thanks to the seat having been pushed back. The down-side of this is a relatively small boot - it can swallow 265 litres with the seats up and 511 litres with them folded. That's much less than a Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio.

Nissan hasn't increased the start point for the new Micra, compared with the outgoing model, so you'll need at least £9,250 to buy one, with the most costly model priced at £12,350.

The range is simple as there's just one engine (initially), one bodystyle (five-door hatch), two transmissions, three trim levels (Visia, Acenta, Tekna) and 10 colours.

That simplicity sums up the Micra. It's easy to drive, should prove easy to own and live with and is likely to give faithful service for years. You won't be excited by it, but you'll find it as easy to drive as it will be to live with.