The Nissan Micra Hatchback has been such a favourite for so many years that it deserves recognition for that alone. This is a small car that's been popular since way back in the 1980s. It's moved with the times due to Nissan's responsive attitude to driver feedback. It's been updated, tweaked and subtly changed over the years, with the 2019 update being possibly the most extensive and, many say, the best.
The Micra is ideal for town driving. It's compact for easy parking and the generous hatchback boot means that there's plenty of room for shopping trips. Progressive brakes give you a smooth ride around urban streets where there's lots of stopping and starting in heavier traffic.
Days out on country roads are no problem either. The body lean is well-controlled for tight bends and there's plenty of grip. Motorway driving is comfortable. It's smooth and relatively quiet even when cruising at faster speeds.
The driving position is comfortable for most people. The driver's seat is adjustable and the steering wheel has adjustments available for reach as well as height.
The dashboard is a winner too. It features large dials, it isn't cluttered and has an intuitive layout – you won't find yourself searching for the information you need.
Material and interior trims are soft-touch and all very tactile. Compared with rivals in this highly-competitive class of car, it's obvious that Nissan has put a lot of effort into creating a cabin that feels classy and well-built.
Way back when the Micra was first introduced, it was the kind of car that was considered a 'first car'. Now, it has a well-deserved place in our hearts as something much, much more.