Nissan Micra (2010) at the Geneva motor show

This is the new Nissan Micra, revealed today at the 2010 Geneva motor show by company chief exec Carlos Ghosn.

Blame the need to appeal to buyers in over 160 countries, and Nissan’s desire to keep its cost down – fancy steel pressings cost cash. The new Micra will be built in at least four factories across the globe; Nissan’s Sunderland plant will build the new Juke and Europe’s supply of the Micra will come from a factory in India.

The latest Micra sits on Nissan’s all-new V-platform, and the underpinnings will also spawn a four-door saloon and a mini-MPV to replace the Note.

To keep costs down there’s only one engine, a 1.2-litre three-pot petrol. Initially it’ll be naturally aspirated and produce 79bhp, 80lb ft and 115g/km CO2. A direct injection and supercharged variant will follow with 97bhp and 105lb ft, and together with stop/start tech it’ll only emit 95g/km. Both engines will be offered with either a five-speed manual or a new CVT ‘box.

The Micra won’t be free of fancy technology though; a touch-screen sat-nav system and panoramic glass roof are on the options list, along with a ‘parking space measurement’ (PSM) device that has three settings (amateur, normal and expert) dependent on your skill level. Nissan claims it’ll be a popular option in mainland Europe where ‘touch parking’ is a way of life.

Sales begin in Thailand this month, while the first Micra should be in UK dealerships in the autumn.

By Ben Pulman