With sharper styling, improved safety and advanced tech on board, the fifth-generation Micra is ready to take aim at its rivals.

The all-new Micra is targeted for Europe, which remains the world’s largest hatchback market. This is where Nissan hopes their new-gen supermini can turn enough heads thanks to its dramatic styling, advanced turbocharged drivetrains, agile chassis and a wide array of safety features.

“When the first Micra appeared more than 30 years ago, it marked a revolution in the small hatchback segment and opened a new chapter for Nissan. The fifth generation Micra is just as revolutionary, and will raise expectations for what a hatchback can, and should, deliver to its customers,” said Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company.

“Following in the wheel tracks of distinctive cars like Qashqai and Juke, the latest Micra reinforces Nissan’s position as a leader in automotive design. It also shows our intent to compete right at the top of Europe’s B-segment market – the largest and most competitive B-segment market in the world.”

In terms of styling, the new Micra definitely reminds us of the Sway Concept unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Its design cues include the distinctive V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped lights and the floating roof, which is another Nissan design signature. Other features include the rear door handles being hidden in the C-pillars as well as the spoiler being integrated in the extended roof line.

Inside, the Micra has a lower driving position for a more secure feel, greater seat adjustment, a fully adjustable steering wheel and a gliding-wing shaped dashboard. Overall, this is also one of the most spacious interiors in the segment, thanks to the car’s extended width and wheelbase.

With a focus on safety, the Gen5 Micra also comes with Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, as well as Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Warning. Connectivity-wise, there is a 7″ full color central display which provides access to the sat-nav, mobile phone, downloadable apps, Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay and the audio system.

Speaking of audio, this car has an exclusive all-new six-speaker Bose Personal sound system, said to be optimized for the driver. It boasts two Bose UltraNearfield speakers, combined with Bose PersonalSpace Virtual Audio Technology, built into the driver seat headrest. There are also Bose Super65 speakers in each of the front doors for powerful low-note performance, plus tweeters in each A-pillar for improved clarity.

On the road, Nissan wanted to make sure the Micra was as quiet as possible, which is why improvements were made in terms of noise insulation and optimization of the car’s aerodynamic performance. Thanks to the combined roof and side spoiler, the 2017 Micra has a Cd of 0.29, which is excellent for a small hatchback.

As for its ride, the Gen5 Micra features a new brushless electric power steering system plus Active Ride Control for enhanced comfort and Active Trace Control for reduced understeer and sharper handling.

At launch, the Micra will be available with either a 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-liter diesel, both producing 90 HP. Later on, a naturally aspirated 73 HP 1.0-liter petrol unit will join the range.

Sales for Nissan’s all-new 5th generation supermini will start in Europe from March 2017.

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