Remove the badge from many a new supermini and you’ll struggle to tell what it is, but try the same with a second-hand Nissan Micra and you’ll have no such problems. With a profile that’s as distinctive as that of a Lamborghini Countach it’s a styling masterpiece. Introduced to Britain in January 1993, its soft, blobby shape was set to define the styling of a generation of small cars.

But unlike many ground-breaking designs the Nissan Micra was never a case of style over substance. Its looks were functional. With a wheel in each corner, short body overhangs front and rear and a high roofline, it managed to squeeze the maximum amount of interior space onto the minimum amount of road. Available with both three and five doors, it soon became a firm favourite with young families looking for something cheap to run, older drivers wanting something easy to drive and young drivers wanting something cheap to insure.

Under the bonnet was the choice of 1 or 1.3 litre petrol engines producing 53bhp and 75bhp respectively. Both had a perky, honest nature and managed to blend acceptable performance with excellent economy.

However, the Micra’s equipment levels were similarly frugal and it wasn’t until the car received a minor facelift in March 1998 that options such as power steering and air-conditioning became common. While Nissan was careful to protect the Micra’s distinctive profile, these cars are easy to distinguish by larger headlamps, chrome radiator grilles and two-piece side rubbing strips.

Interiors were freshened up slightly and seat trims and dashboards received an upgrade, which added to the cars’ longevity. Today these cars are generally accepted as the ones to buy.

Whichever model you buy you’ll find that visibility is great, the dials are clear and the controls logical and easy to use. But while taller drivers won’t struggle for room, wider ones will. Shoulder room can be a bit tight if you’re built like a prop forward, and rear legroom is also limited.

Whether it’s pre or post-facelift, you’ll find it’s a doddle to drive, with a light clutch and slick gearbox. Ultra-low-mileage examples need to be viewed with caution as components are more likely to deteriorate through lack of use than excessive wear.

If you want to avoid gearchanging, hunt down one of the CVT automatics. Despite being available only on the 1 litre model, CVT makes for a pleasant enough drive if combined with power steering.

In July 2000 Nissan boosted power, upping the 1 litre from 53bhp to 60bhp, a modest but noticeable increase, and from 75bhp to 82bhp for the 1.3 litre model, which gained 73cc and was rebadged as a 1.4 litre. If you are buying used it’s worth going for the largest engine you can. It makes a modest difference to the insurance, but fuel consumption is virtually identical and you will welcome the extra power.

Second-hand Micras are plentiful and prices have taken a hit since the new model was introduced in 2003. Haggle hard and even a top spec SE or SE+ with power steering and air-conditioning is unlikely to command more than £5,000. If you fancy a used car that you’ll be able to spot in the car park, it’s worth every penny.

Steering Power steering a desirable option, standard on top-spec cars

Gearbox Manual gearbox is strong and a sweet shifter, but CVT auto can cause problems

Engine Six-monthly oil changes, regardless of mileage, are essential

Timing belts Rattling timing chain signals a very big bill

Facelift Post-March 1998 models get larger headlights, a chrome grille and revised interior

Insurance Even the most powerful 1.4 is a maximum of group 5

Servicing Local non-franchise dealers can handle the technically simple Micra with ease and you'll save a fortune

Equipment The optional comfort pack was desirable, adding PAS and factory-fitted sunroof to the equipment list

Mileage Average-mileage cars are your best bet, ultra-low-mileage cars can have problems with cold starting due to condensation in the ignition system

Colours Avoid lairy colours such as bright green, gold and metallic bronze if you want to later sell the car with ease

Exhaust Low-mileage cars can suffer from rusty exhausts due to a build-up of moisture

Suspension Front-suspension wishbones prone to rusting and can be a major cost

Front wheels Check for kerbed alloys and scuffed wheel trims

()VITAL STATISTICS

Model Nissan Micra 1.4 SE 5-door
Engine Four-cylinder, 1348cc
Power 82bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 46.3mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.9sec
Top speed106mph

The one to buy

Nissan Micra 1.4 SE five-door, 2000 W-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £3,995 from a reputable dealer or £3,250 privately

Or for similar money...

2001 51-reg Peugeot 106 1.1 Zest 5-door
2001 Y-reg Ford Ka 1.3i Collection 3-door
2001 X-reg Fiat Punto 1.2 ELX 5-door
2000 V-reg Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 CDX 5-door
1999 V-reg Renault Clio 1.4 RT 5-door

Values: Nissan Micra 1.4 SE five-door



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'Retail' is what you would pay a dealer