Nissan’s tried to inject some of the styling fizz of the Juke into the Micra supermini, with a package of visual tweaks for 2013. The cabin’s had a nip and tuck too, and Nissan has confirmed prices won’t rise sharply versus the current £9800-14,000 range.
What’s new for the latest Nissan Micra?
A Juke-style front grille, new front bumper, triangular foglights and more angular headlights are the main changes. The car also gets a new rear bumper, LED taillights and the option of the 16-inch polished alloy wheels as shown in our gallery.
Inside medium- and top-spec models, you get a new gloss-black centre console with different air vents, and a bigger infotainment screen (up from 5in to 5.8in). Though there’s no round-view camera like the Nissan Qashqai 360, you can spec a parking space measurement gizmo that’ll inform the driver if the gap they’re sizing up is big enough to fit the Micra. There’s also standard USB and MP3 player connectivity, and a redesigned instrument cluster. The update should see off competitors like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Hyundai i10, but the facelifted Ford Fiesta presents a bigger challenge…
Under the Micra’s new bonnet
Choose from two three-cylinder engine options: a 79bhp 1.2-litre petrol version, or a supercharged, direct-injection model with 97bhp. The more powerful motor is actually cleaner (95g/km of CO2 versus 115g/km) and scores a claimed 68.9mpg. As before, there’s a choice of five-speed manual or CVT auto transmissions.
The new Nissan Micra is on UK sale from September 2013.