Youthful Nissan Micra debuts in Paris

Inspired by the Sway concept shown in Geneva last year, the brand new K14 generation Micra incorporates the latest version of Nissan's design language, highlighted by the now well-known V-shaped grille, sculpted lines, boomerang headlights, floating roofline and concealed rear door handles.

Aimed primarily towards a younger audience compared to the model its replaces, the Micra features a completely redesigned interior which Nissan refers to as "gliding-wing shaped".

A seven-inch touchscreen display incorporating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, takes pride of place on the facia with top spec models coming equip with a six-speaker Bose Personal surround sound system, sporting what Nissan calls UltraNearfield speakers.

In short, this consists of two speakers built into the driver's headrest for the complete virtual music experience. Safety has also been reworked with items such as Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Braking with pedestrian recognition, Around view camera system, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, and Blind Spot Warning.

As well being equipped with Active Trace and Ride Control, the Micra now has electric power steering and significantly reduced NVH levels with cabin noise reduction having been a key focus point.

Depending on the market, the Micra will initially offered with a choice of two engines; a Renault derived 898 cc turbocharged triple and a 1.5 dCi developing 66 kW each. A normally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol with 55 kW will join at a later stage.

Production will take place at alliance partner Renault's Flins factory in France with sales slated for March next year.