When Nissan last attempted to produce a retro-modern road car, the Figaro of 1989, they were tremendously successful; Figaro appeared as if a 1950s car but drove just like a 1990s model. Micra continues to be far less visually successful, showing all of the signs of the company trying way too hard.

On the plus side the vehicle drives well, is nicely equipped even just in its basic 1.0 form, and handles nicely. At the very top of the scale the peppy 1.4 litre 16 valve engine endows the vehicle with sufficient capacity to give a top speed of approximately 107mph, and the SVE trim package borders about the luxurious, by city car standards.

The big question is whether you are able to live with the pastiche looks.