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Nissan is to relaunch its Micra supermini, and return production to Europe.

The car features a lower driving position, greater seat adjustment, a fully adjustable steering wheel and the optimal positioning of the pedals and shift lever. Nissan claims the car’s extended width and wheelbase means cabin space is among the best in class.

This Micra Gen5 will offer safety technologies including Lane Departure Prevention, a segment first. Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, a first for Nissan vehicles in Europe, as well as Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Warning. 

An exclusive feature of Micra Gen5 is the all-new six-speaker Bose Personal sound system, developed through close collaboration with Nissan. This sound system is optimised for the driver, with two Bose UltraNearfield speakers, combined with Bose PersonalSpace Virtual Audio Technology, built into the driver seat headrest. Additional passengers benefit from new Bose Super65 speakers in each of the front doors, producing powerful low-note performance, and tweeters in each A-pillar for sonic clarity.  

Micra Gen5 comes with a 7-inch full colour central display, providing access to the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.

Micra Gen5 features include Active Ride Control for enhanced ride comfort, and Active Trace Control for reduced understeer and sharper handling – combining driver enjoyment and reassurance – innovations only available on Nissan’s Qashqai and X-Trail until now. A new brushless electric power steering system – for greater steering feel and response - is also available.

At launch, the car will offer the choice of a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp.The range will be joined soon after by a naturally aspirated 73hp 1.0-litre petrol engine. 

“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, Nissan Motor Company.

The new Nissan Micra will be built at the Renault plant in Flins, France, with sales starting in Europe from March 2017.