THE whole profile of small car motoring is changing with the accent on small, highly economical petrol engines aiming for the lowest emissions possible and ultra-low running costs. One of the most significant examples is the latest Nissan Micra which which builds on nearly 30 years production in various forms and and 5.65 million sales, to field a little car which is big in all the right places for city motoring. The latest Micra is all-new and is created to be both desirable and stress-free on today's busy roads. In addition to its lightweight platform, the big news is under the bonnet with an all-new three-cylinder petrol engines. One in particular the 1.2 DIG-S version speaks volumes of how far this model has progressed into its fourth generation. It features a three-cylinder-in-line engine of 1,198cc which turns out 98ps and can power this model up to 112mph with 0-60mph sprint factor of 11.3 seconds. But significantly its CO2 emission are 99g/km meaning zero road tax. The DIG-S includes all the latest low-emission technology including engine stop start, an 'intelligent' alternator to conserve energy, low-friction engineering and even a supercharger to ensure no loss of performance. The result is that the DIG-S achieves 65.7mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle – not too far off the 70mpg mark which is the real target for ultra-economical driving. Apart from remarkably lively performance, plus points go to a responsive yet comfortable suspension setup which combines with speed-sensitive power-steering to create a sophisticated driving approach for such a small car. The DIG-S costs £12,150 but it is possible to enhance it with some interesting options including a £400 fully-integrated entertainment anf information package which includes touch-screen satellite navigation via a five-inch colour screen. It is Nissan's first model to use the company's new versatile platform technology and is produced in four manufacturing plants in China, Thailand, India and Mexico. Examples destined for the UK will be sourced from Nissan's new Chennai plant in India. Grades follow traditional Nissan practice with Visia followed by Acenta and then Tekna. All models have electric power steering, six airbags, electric front windows, Bluetooth phone integration and the electronic stability programme as standard - unusual in the city car segment. This car was an Acenta which adds 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning and cruise control among other features. Full marks to Nissan for reloading the Micra concept without destroying what it really is.Too many times we have seen names that were honest-to-goodness cheap family cars being pushed upmarket to end up as something they are not. The Micra has stayed true its heritage and is virtually the same size as the outgoing model. FAST FACTS Nissan Micra Acenta 1.2 DIG-S Price: £12,150 Mechanical: 98ps, 1,198ccc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 112mph 0-62mph: 11.3 seconds Combined mpg: 65.7 Insurance group: 9 CO2 emissions: 99g/km BiK rating: 10% Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles | 
News | New cars | Used cars | Manufacturers | Special reports | Views | Buying advice | Road tests new | Road tests
