In terms of the lowest Nissan Micra running costs, our original pick was the 1.2-litre with a manual gearbox because it averages 56.5mpg on the combined run. However, Nissan introduced the 1.2-litre petrol powered DIG-S (Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharged) in July 2011, the sensible buyer has to go for this engine. It will return 68.9mpg on average and produces 96bhp.

Automatic models will burn a little more fuel than manual Micras.

The three-cylinder engines are low CO2-emitters, which should suit fleets and those wanting a small yearly road tax bill. The 1.2-litre engine mated to the five-speed manual ‘box emits 115g/km of CO2 whereas the same engine partnered to the CVT gearbox emits 125g/km of CO2. In July 2011 Nissan Micra emissions became even greener with the 1.2 DIG-S engine that emits 95g/km of CO2 – that’s a remarkable figure.

Nissan Micra reliability hasn’t been much of a problem in the past. Nissan has a good reliability record but the previous generation suffered from a few power steering problems. The interior has been made from cheap plastics – expect it to get scratched if not treated with care.