NISSAN is set to banish the bland lines of its current model range in a radical shake-up of its cars' design. The company announced at the British International Motor Show that the new Micra and Almera will feature cutting edge styling, while the current Primera is being prepared for major cosmetic surgery rather than a mid-life facelift.

Simon Carr, Nissan's fleet sales director, said: 'Next year we are going to reposition the brand in the fleet sector, emphasising the durability, reliability and quality of our cars which are enduring standards, but with a redirection of styling.' He added that fleet managers already appreciate Nissan's impressive wholelife costs, but conceded that their enthusiasm was not universally shared by user-choosers when more adventurously-styled cars were available, despite the driving appeal of Nissan cars.

Primera will be the first car to feature Nissan's new look from the middle of next year when its body panels and interior will be substantially changed. The upper medium contender will also gain a 1.8-litre petrol engine, filling the large gap in its current range between 1.6 and 2.0- litre petrol engines.