THE funky Nissan Micra is sharper and looks more up to date than cars designed years later.

The current version has been on the market now since 2017 but is still fresh, with clean, slightly angular lines that really make it stand out from the crowd.

This edgy styling has colour touches that repeat inside and out, adding to the feeling of something a little different.

All come with five doors - much more practical for most people - and just about the only downside of the sleek shape is slightly restricted headroom for taller adults in the back.

There is a very wide range of confusing models and extras packs, so although I will cover the basics later, just make sure you have all the kit you want when you buy.

There are four different versions of the same 1.0-litre petrol engine that are likely to make up most available secondhand.

These start with a normally aspirated one that has 73bhp and accelerates from zero to 60 miles an hour in 14.6 seconds, while managing a best economy figure of 64mpg and very low emissions.

Those low emissions are also included with all the other models.

Next up is a 90bhp turbo version in the IG-T that brings the sprint down to 11.7 seconds and can achieve 55mpg.

Then come 100 and 117bhp versions where the power output is increased by tweaking the turbo pressure electronically.

The 100 version gets to 60 to 10.5 while the 117 cuts that by a second. The 100 has a best of 63mpg and the 117 peaks at 56.

Finally, there is a 1.5 dCi diesel turbo borrowed from partner Renault, and it boasts 90bhp, 0 to 60 in 11.5 and 68mpg.

I've driven two or three of these great superminis and have enjoyed them all

Even the 90bhp models feel quick out on the road, willing and peppy, and pulling well from fairly low revs in all five gears.

Real power doesn't come in until about 2,500 revs, so it has to be revved a little to get best acceleration, which will obviously have a serious effect on economy.

That said, they are all very easy to drive at low speeds, trickling through town in fourth gear quite easily, and taking most corners in third. This makes them very relaxed to drive in town.

The petrol engines are so smooth they will pull away gently from just above tickover in all five gears, and as the revs rise, they sound lovely.

The gearchange is a delight, the brakes superb and the responsive steering is wonderfully precise.

This helps towards very good handling around town or out on the open road, making them a pleasure to drive in any situation.

They hold the road beautifully through a series of bends at speed, and are delightfully agile and safe, making them great fun.

Yet the level of comfort is also good, with a smooth ride that soaks up the worst road bumps and lumps to protect you from poor road surfaces.

In mid-range N-Connecta trim, the Micra comes with electric heated mirrors, air conditioning, remote locking, sat nav, 60/40 fold rear seats, height adjust driver's seat and height adjust steering column.

It also has a DAB radio with all the right inputs for your own music, alloy wheels and cruise control.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, rear legroom is good and the boot is also a decent size.

Pay about £8,950 for an '18 18-reg 90bhp IG-T N-Connecta, or £12,400 for a '20 20-reg 100bhp IG-T Tekna.