Geneva Motor Show: Nissan Micra

Make no mistake, Nissan has big ambitions for its new Micra. The all-new model may not be much to look at, but this is a global car in the true sense of the word.

Design and engineered in Japan, but built in India, Thailand, Mexico and China, Nissan insists it has produced a car which can succeed in the price-obessesed emerging markets while at the same time competing in the hyper-competitive European supermini segment.

Beneath that unimaginative body sits Nissan's new V-Platform, conceived to be lightweight, versatile, and crucially, simple enough to be produced cheaply in huge volumes, it will underpin a three car range, including a small saloon and MPV. These may be limited to certain markets, but the Micra will be sold in 160 countries. The car retains the compact dimensions of its predecessor, being slightly wider and longer, but also a little lower. The new Micra will only be available as a five-door hatch.