2020 Nissan Micra gets new engine and reduced price

• High-spec trims gain LED headlights
• Cleaner 91bhp petrol engine
• On sale later this month

Nissan has announced updates for the Nissan Micra, in a bid to prise buyers away from the likes of the Ford Fiesta, SEAT Ibiza and Toyota Yaris. The 1.0-litre petrol engine has been tweaked and there are a few equipment upgrades to enjoy. Buyers can order the new Micra later this month.

While most superminis are getting more expensive, Nissan has dropped the starting price of the Micra. The base-spec Visia is around £500 cheaper at £13,995, which seems like very good value when the smaller Hyundai i10 city car is only £1,000 less. Full UK prices and specs have yet to be revealed for the facelifted Micra, but the current Acenta trim undercuts the equivalent Ford Fiesta model.

The main changes revolve around the headlights. These pictures show darkened lenses, while N-Sport and Tekna versions now get LED lights as standard. Tekna also gets an around-view monitor, which would usually be found on much more expensive cars.

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N-Sport, initially a special-edition model, is now a core part of the range. As the name suggests, it’s Nissan’s sporty-looking trim level, so you get a smattering of gloss black trim pieces, black 17-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. The interior also gets a makeover, with Alcantara suede inserts and more supportive seats.

We expect a 91bhp version of the 1.0-litre engine to replace the current 99bhp one. It features a range of tweaks to allow it to hit the latest European emissions targets. Fuel economy should improve slightly over the 99bhp engine’s 50mpg return. The 115bhp version of the same engine will remain on sale, while diesel engines are no longer offered.

See where the Nissan Micra lands on our list of the best cars for £150 per month.