The original Nissan Micra, which never came to South Africa, was designed to compete with the earlier Opel Corsa and Ford Fiestas at the cheap and cheerful end of the market.
Yet the new Micra is smaller, less refined and feels cheaper than the latest Corsa and Fiesta. Put simply, it has refused to grow up very much and surprising as this seems, that's what I like most about it.
You see, the latest B-segment cars are brilliant in their own right and they serve a definite purpose for those seeking a more mature car, but they're no longer affordable by any stretch of the imagination - at least not the modern ones.
The Micra, on the other hand, can be had from just R108 400 for a 1.2-litre model - make that R117 500 if you want a decent level of equipment. It's basically a slightly smaller but more modern alternative to the likes of Ford's Figo and VW's Polo Vivo, but it's actually quite big if you compare it to the i10, Aygo and all the toddlers in that crowded segment.
While many have accused the designers of this car of having suffered from chronic boredom, I think it strikes a good enough balance for a wide market. It's not as cute as the old model, but it still has a cheerful vibe about it and I'm sure there's a far bigger percentage of male drivers that would be seen, at least dead, in this one.
Although the 1.2s will no doubt be the showroom floor flyers, the 1.5 Tekna that we had on test also makes a compelling case for itself for those willing to stretch the budget to R143 500.
For around R20 000 less than a bottom-line Ford Fiesta or Mazda2, you're getting a heck of a lot more equipment and a better power to weight ratio, considering the Micra weighs just 954kg and gets its motivation from a 1461cc petrol engine that puts out an enthusiastic 73kW at 6000rpm and 134Nm at 4800.
Performance feels warm to strong, and impressive for the price. Yet it was not quite as gutsy as I'd expected, particularly at the bottom end of the rev range. Hardly exciting then, but this engine will more than hold its own with ample performance if you work it correctly.
The controls are all light and painless to operate, although the rubbery feel of the gearshift is far from inspirational and the steering could be more communicative at the limit.
However, this car rates highly in the comfort stakes, with a compliant ride thanks to long-travel suspension, and decent, neutral handling. However, a lack of refinement soon becomes apparent in the noise from the buzzy engine permeating the cabin.
Despite the Micra's fairly compact measurements, cabin space is generous and the amount of rear legroom and headroom should satisfy most adults - just don't sit three abreast.
The dashboard emulates the cuteness of the exterior - round and bubbly, with textures that are reasonably smart by budget-car standards.
One area where the 1.5 Tekna really comes into its own is in the sheer quantity of features that you get. Six airbags, automatic climate control, radio with AUX input, multifunction steering wheel, electric windows all around, 15" alloy rims - you name it, it's there, just about.
Ultimately, the 1.2-litre models still offer the best value in the range but, if you're looking for a small hatch with all the kit and decent performance, the 1.5 Tekna is also well worth a look in.