2019 Nissan Micra revealed with new engines and a sporty trim level

The Nissan Micra supermini has been treated to a thorough refresh. The midlife facelift includes a whole host of changes inside and out, including more powerful engines and smartphone mirroring to control apps through the car’s touchscreen.

The NissanConnect infotainment system is all-new, and adds a range of features that means the Micra is better connected than ever before. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on all but the entry-level Visia trim level, while there’s also voice recognition, a Find My Car function, and a sat nav that Nissan says is now much easier to use.

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You can also download an app to go alongside this new connectivity. Called ‘Door to Door Navigation’, the app can offer advanced features such as pre-programming the car’s sat nav on your phone, real-time live traffic updates and over-the-air software updates. Until recently, it was only possible to spec these features in far more luxurious and expensive vehicles in the Nissan range.

Under the bonnet, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine replaces the outgoing 0.9-litre engine. The new engine produces 100bhp - up 10bhp from the old one - and offers improved responsiveness. Not only that, but fuel economy is up to 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions are down by as much as 15g/km. Refinement is also better than before, so it should be quieter and more relaxing to drive on the motorway.

For the first time, Micra buyers can opt for an automatic gearbox. Aiming to appeal to buyers who spend plenty of time in urban areas, the Xtronic CVT gearbox can take away some of the hassle of stop-start driving.

Nissan has also introduced a faster version of the Micra that has 117bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox (instead of the five-speed fitted as standard on the 100bhp version). Its 0-60mph time drops to a smidge under 10 seconds - a whole second quicker than the 100bhp car - and most of the power is available from low revs.

That’s not the only change for this new flagship Micra. The ride height is 10mm lower, the suspension has been tuned to make it sportier and the steering has been sharpened. These enhancements should give the sportiest Micra more agility and make it more fun to drive. On the outside, a chrome exhaust finisher and 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted.

Regardless of which engine you choose, the Micra can now be ordered with a racy-looking N-Sport trim level to rival the Ford Fiesta ST-Line and SEAT Ibiza FR. Styling changes include carbon fibre-effect wheels and door mirror caps, N-Sport badging and rear privacy glass, while the interior benefits from additions such as a rear-view camera, suede-like Alcantara seats, a black headliner and keyless entry and start.