Car reviews

The Nissan Micra set a new standard for small cars when it was launched in early 2003, and it's still one of the best around today. The looks may not be to everyone's taste but it's well equipped, cheap to run and there are some neat features available (like keyless entry). It's cracking value too - whether you're buying new or used while light steering and good visibility make it easy to drive and park. All the engines are economical, especially the dCi models which can average more than 60mpg and the Micra makes a surprisingly good long distance car. It may not have the youthful image of rivals like the Mazda 2 or Peugeot 207 but it's still a good supermini that's hassle-free and affordable to own.