The Nissan Micra has been with us since 1983. That’s right it was 34 years ago when the Micra made its debut, the same year that Spandau Ballet recorded True and Flashdance hit our screens.

This is the fifth generation model and is ten times better than the one it has replaced which was a bit of dunce in the classroom of superminis despite the fact that early predecessors were pretty cool.

This one is dynamic, nippy and exciting to drive and it ain’t bad either when you have to take it on a long journey. This is due to the specially designed front seats which help to decrease driver fatigue.

And Nissan haven’t spared the cash because the new model is packed with quality materials; a unique BOSE audio system which includes speakers in the driver’s head rest and an extensive personalisation programme to support the different five grades.

These include side mouldings, mirror caps, bumper finisher, lower boot finisher, rear view mirror cover, front seat central arm rest, upholstered floor mats and a boot mat.

Other accessories include a shark-fin roof antenna, illuminated entry guards, ambient interior lighting, sports pedals, mudguards, tow ball and a range of carriers for leisure equipment such as bikes and skis.

The car is available with three downsized engines – two petrol and one diesel – all linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. The miles per gallon varies from around 60mpg to more than 80 mpg with the diesel.

There is a .9 litre turbo petrol, a one litre petrol and a 1.5 diesel. Nissan’s familiar five grades of Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna all feature a high level of standard specification.

Nissan wants the Micra to re-establish itself inside the top 10 sellers in the segment. After all the Micra was the first Japanese car to win the European car of the year back in 1993 and with a good history Nissan want the good times back.

Available only as a five-door model, the car is longer, lower and wider than ever before. The wheelbase is also longer. The new Micra is among the widest and lowest models in the B-hatchback segment and the boot is big enough to easily cater for customers’ needs with a competitive 300 litres which expands to 1,004 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded down.

Smart storage options are everywhere in the new Micra’s cabin, with location, capacity and design all optimised to ensure maximum convenience for occupants.

Larger items can be placed in the centre console ahead of the gear selector. It offers flat storage for a phone, and includes  USB and 12v sockets.

The 10-litre glove box has been specifically shaped to take a two-litre drinks bottle, while bottles up to 1.5 litres will fit in the front door bins. Additionally, there are two cupholders between the front seats, plus another in the rear. For driver comfort, air-conditioning is standard on all but the entry level model, with automatic air-conditioning available on the higher grades.

The All New Nissan Micra is also a technology leader, with a number of features with Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist. It also comes with six airbags as standard, plus seat belt warnings and seat belt height adjustment for the front and rear.

Every new Micra has the electronic safety, anti-lock brakes, and hill start assist. A speed limiter, automatic headlight sensor, automatic hazard lights and a tyre pressure monitoring system are also fitted.

Nissan’s acclaimed monitor camera system – as seen on the Qashqai and Juke crossovers – is also available on the Micra for the first time. These and other technologies are a clear demonstration of the brand’s vision for a zero emissions and zero fatalities future. Halogen headlamps are standard on all grades, with full LED lighting available as an option.

The new Micra is available in 10 body colours and the exterior can be further enhanced also.

Price start at just under £12,000 and go through to about £21,500.