icra is an icon. Since 1982 it has been the choice of transport for learner drivers and old ladies.

OK, so other people drive them too, but it is essentially a fuss-free city car which impresses more for its durability and simplicity than it does for being ever so stylish. A MINI, it is not.

One of the most endearing features of Nissan’s baby is that it doesn’t over-try to be trendy. It is happy enough being sensible, solid and very reliable.

Micra used to be built in Britain, but not at the moment. Sunderland, Nissan’s outpost in the north-east, is currently employed building Leaf and my current favourite car, Juke. Micra is being built in far-off countries such as China, India and Mexico. But no worries – Nissan is adept at building cars to exacting standards in all manner of places. After all, Micra is now a world car.

So, what can British buyers expect from the new Micra? Well, there’s a new CVT (continuously variable transmission) version for a start. Although less economical than the five-speed manual model, the CVT-equipped Micra boasts better fuel economy than a traditional torque-convertor automatic and offers smoother progress, too, thanks to the lack of ‘stepped’ gear changes.

Nissan has developed the new Micra’s compact and lightweight CVT transmission specifically for the job, and with the intention of working alongside the also all-new three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Another sign of the new Micra’s international status is the lack of a diesel in the line-up. Not every market is as keen on the fuel as the UK, so to avoid the costs for manufacturer and customer of producing a diesel version Nissan has opted to take the unconventional approach of supercharging the small petrol unit for greater efficiency.

That version of the engine, complete with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, will arrive later in the year. For the meantime we have the standard 1.2-litre engine, which is very good, especially considering it’s a three-cylinder unit. The engine itself is smoother and more refined than some rival three-cylinder units – particularly at idle – and revs freely for relatively refined progress.

The all new platform on which the Micra is based is destined for use in two other compact models from the Japanese manufacturer but, for now, is put to good use in furthering the Micra’s city car potential.

The turning circle is excellent and the compact, familiar bubble shape and accompanying dimensions make short work of parking. Even so, a useful and simple-to-operate parking space measuring system is available.

Ride quality feels a little firm over some winter-worn road surfaces, but traditional strong build quality ensures no rattles or knocks are present. Light steering is a bonus in the Micra’s intended environment and visibility is excellent all around.

Inside, the Micra feels modern by design. The rotary centre console layout is an efficient and charismatic use of space and the cabin feels reasonably spacious for a compact car. Storage is good and quality high, even if the dashboard plastics are hard to the touch.

Nissan expects to sell some 17,000 examples in the first full year, the majority of which are likely to be mid-range Acenta models. Strong specification furthers its cause in terms of value-adding toys and plain useful equipment.

Cruise control, 15in alloys, driver’s arm rest, bag holder and electric mirrors are nice to have. Boot illumination, map reading lights and trip computer are functional additions to the generous standard specification that show thought has gone into the model.

The new Micra may have been designed with the global market in mind, but it’s clear that the car still boasts the qualities that have made it such a success in Britain for the best part of 30 years.