This is the new Nissan Micra, featuring a fresh new look at the front, a completely revamped interior, and enhanced specifications. It does look good; a whole lot better than the car it replaces at least. But it’s kind of odd why they didn’t touch the rear-end of the car. They redesigned the front of it, and then got bored apparently and left the rest of it the way it was!

The new bonnet, wings, headlamps and front bumper of the 2014 Micra gives the little city car Nissan’s corporate look and make it look more upmarket than before. It has strong similarities to the new Nissan Note, which is a good thing. The car comes with a range of new colors, and 15- and 16-inch wheels.

Inside the cabin the materials and the color combo is changed, with black surfaces on the dash and silver trimming. Visia and Acenta grades have a durable tricot mesh woven fabric – a material often used for sports clothing – while top Tekna models have a suede-like fabric with double stitching. The new Micra can also be specified with NissanConnect navigation and communication system. Another upmarkety feature with amazing capabilities including Google services, weather forecast, etc.

Powering the Micra is a frugal three-cylinder 1.2-litre direct injection gasoline supercharged unit, better known as the DIS-G. It makes 80 PS and be hooked to either a five-speed manual gearbox as standard or optionally the latest generation CVT. This engine does 68.9mpg combined and emits 115 g/km CO2.

The standard kit on the 2014 Nissan Micra  includes remote central locking, front power windows, electric power steering, 14-inch wheels, Radio & CD player with Aux & USB plus a full complement of safety equipment including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain bags, ABS and ESP.

The Micra was in desperate need of a proper upgrade, and this new model seems to be just the answer to that. It’s not perfect, but it’s a much more desirable car than the existing Micra.