Nissan's Micra has got a new look and beefed up engines for 2006. And in addition it gets a pretty little coupe-cabriolet version, the C+C.
The changes in the standard Micra are significant. The 1-litre entry-level engine is no more. Now a 1.2-litre 80bhp engine is the first in the range, providing 23 per cent more power and a 2-second improvement in the 0-100 km/h sprint. All with the same fuel consumption as the former 1-litre.
A new line-up in specification levels gives it Sport, Sport Auto and Sport+, and while the car retains the 'friendly' front, it gets more aggressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a honeycomb grille, 'black' headlamps and 15" wheel trims. There's also a new seat trim.
But the real highlight for the Micra range is the new C+C variant, on sale in the second week of November.Nissan in Ireland see it as a 'halo' car, drawing interest to the general model. But they still expect to sell some 250 units a year.
It comes in two versions. The entry-level C+C, in Tekna spec, has a 1.4-litre engine of 88bhp output, and includes 15" alloys, aircon, front foglights and black trim as standard.
The Tekna+, which will be here in May, has a 110hp 1.6-litre engine which will also appear in a special version of the hatchback and will power the upcoming Note small MPV.
Instead of a 'tin-top' retracting roof like its competition, the Micra C+C has a 'full glass' roof which gives a bright and airy feel even when closed up against the elements.
A run in the 1.6-litre showed that this car was able to motor along Portugal's motorways with plenty of potential in hand.
On more local roads, corresponding to the Irish scene, some scuttle shake was evident, but not to any degree that would be a problem.
In many European markets the basic Micra C+C costs less than €18,000. In Ireland, the 1.4 Tekna will cost €23,995 and the 1.6 Tekna+ will be €26,995.