The new Nissan Micra has been a huge sales smash and a major factor in the supermini’s revived appeal is its new single-litre petrol engine.

Around a fifth of new Micra sales are hitting the road with the super-efficient 1.0-litre 70bhp entry-level petrol unit under the bonnet, and Nissan reckons this is down to the engine’s ability to deliver low running costs and a performance well suited to an urban environment.

The new Micra has shifted around 46,000 units in Europe so far, with close to 10,000 customers opting for the single-litre petrol.

Mated to a five-speed manual transmission and running on 15 or 16-inch wheels, the engine can return 61.4mpg, whilst emitting just 103g/km of CO2.

A 0.9-litre 88bhp three-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 88bhp four-cylinder diesel complete the Micra’s engine range.

Comeback

The previous Micra fell short in several departments and sold poorly as a result.

However, Nissan addressed this by making its successor longer, wider and lower, but also sharper in the looks department.

It offers segment-leading interior space for front seat occupants due to a 75mm extension to the wheelbase.

Fleet buyers will certainly approve of the new Micra’s technology and safety features. For example, if the Micra strays out of lane, the Intelligent Lane Intervention gently corrects it back on to the right path. Advanced driver assistance technologies such as this help the Micra score a four-star Euro NCAP rating, rising to five stars in the UK with certain kit added.

Guillaume Cartier, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan Europe, commented: “We have taken the European compact car segment to a new level by focusing on what customers really want today and expect tomorrow. The new Nissan Micra is an exceptional car, characterised by its expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, added: “Nissan has really whipped the Micra into shape and by fitting it with fantastic petrol and diesel engines, they’re reaping the rewards.”