Nissan reveals Micra successor

Nissan has just unveiled the first sketches of the new car that will succeed the Micra.

Referred to by the company as its 'global compact car', the new hatchback will eventually go on sale in 150 countries.

The car will be sold in Thailand first, in March 2010, and is expected to reach the UK late the same year.

Micra name continues
At the moment, Nissan has not confirmed the name of the new model, but it seems highly likely that it will continue with the Micra badge.

Within the company's range, the new car will sit above the Pixo, but well below the sporty crossover Qazana, which is to be built in Sunderland and should go on sale about the same time as the Micra's successor.

The Pixo is built in India, and that's where UK-bound versions of the new model will be built, too.

Broader appeal
Nissan says that, whereas the Qazana is all about bringing new customers to its showrooms, the new car in these sketches will appeal to core customers and existing Micra owners.

It will be smaller and cheaper than the Qazana, Nissan explains, but the interior quality will be very high.

We should see the car for the first time at the Geneva motor show next March.