NISSAN'S Micra has been one of the big hitters in the world of small hatches for many years and the latest version moves the goalposts with the high grade Tekna specification that brings the world of the premium cars into a small package.

The 1.2 DIG-S brings home the point with a vengeance that the world of petrol power in small vehicles is accelerating to new horizons.

The reason being that the engine of this car is a petrol direct injection three cylinder of just 1,198cc, which many years ago might have been perceived as a bit gutless for a car that could carry five.

But recent advances in technology, including this engine's supercharger have proved that you can drop a cylinder and have a car with reasonable performance.

And with 112mph on tap from a five-speed manual box and a 0-62mph sprint of 11.4 seconds it certainly brings home the point that there is enough under the bonnet to make some larger engines green with envy.

And even more envy will be exhibited over this car's economy stats with a Combined figure of 65.7mpg which puts this car very much in the first division of economy motoring.

The latest Micra is a new departure in style and specification, benefiting from a complete a bold new look front and rear. A new centre console, upgraded materials, higher equipment levels and USB connectivity all feature as standard, while the new NissanConnect navigation and communication system, complete with state-of-the-art 5.8-inch touchscreen display, is also available for the first time on the Micra.

Other clever technologies include a Parking Slot Measurement system and an i-Key feature that allows drivers to keep their keys in their pockets or bags when opening, closing and starting their Micra.

This car was a range-topping Tekna which carries a pricetag of £14,050 on the road and includes the full standard Micra equipment package.

This means that you get all the gadgets and technology you would expect on a much larger car including the parking slot measurement device rear-parking sensors, connectivity i-key, electric folding door mirrors, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and speed limiter USB socket, a trip computer and much more.

The whole car is a comfortable five seater for today with ample room and a good measure of driving enjoyment. The engine is remarkably flexible for a three cylinder and when you want to step on the gas it thrives on revs.