It’s Fun, Funky and Functional. And a bit of a character.

This time around, Nissan are targeting a different type of customer for their latest Micra - a ‘demanding, confident, free-thinking individual who doesn’t follow the herd’.

They’ll most likely be drivers in the 26-35 age group, single or with young families. For many, it will be a second car in the household.

I didn’t fit into the target group when I test drove the higher Tekna-specced 1.2-litre Micra, which bears no resemblance at all to the previous model basically regarded as a first time buyers car.

It’s shorter than before but with more interior space. It’s also a lot taller, but not wider. The shape is pretty distinctive - all curves with cutesy narrow headlamps that climb up the sides of the bonnet for a wide-eyed look.

Whether in 3- or 5-door style, it is very very compact and easy to park and to drive.

Inside, the first thing that hits you is the huge amount of space in the cabin for such a small car. There’s oodles of headroom up front for even the tallest of drivers. But not so in the back. Anyone over six foot could have a bit of a headache from a sort of a ridge in the roof. But hey, it’s mostly kids that will be ferried around in the back of Micras anyway.

Another impression is of too much grey in the cabin - besides the cheerful white knobs on the central console. It could do with a bit of cheering up, perhaps starting with a brighter cloth on the seats. But those same seats are comfy, supportive and hug you at the sides.

Getting into and starting the car requires a bit of know-how and takes a bit of instruction to learn. (Car salesmen, please note!). Otherwise, there could be major frustrations.

But in the end I got the hang of this ‘non key’ gadget which you can keep in your handbag or pocket and never have to take it out to open, lock or drive the car!

Briefly, with this gadget that only comes in the higher specification cars, the locking system ‘recognises’ your presence, and you unlock or lock the car simply by pressing a small button on the door handle. Once inside, the ignition system also recognises that you are there and allows you to start the engine by simply turning a switch.

From a woman’s point of view, it means you can open your car door without having to root in your bag for the key while juggling toddlers and shopping. And men need never take it off their keyring! Neat or what.

And when I got going, the 1.2-litre engine seemed civilised enough. The car itself once you reach highway speeds can suffer from a bit of wind roar, perhaps due to the shape, and also had a certain amount of intrusive road noise.

The gears are nice and easy to use as you would expect from Nissan or indeed any Japanese manufacturer.

There are lots of ‘smart solutions’ in the interior design such as the three-compartments in the glove box; the foldaway cup holder and secret compartment at the bottom of the centre console, and the 12-litre tray hidden under the front passenger seat.

If more luggage space is required in the cargo area, simply move the rear seat forward to give extra boot space or fold over the back seats.

Buyers can chose from a 1.0-litre or a 1.2-litre petrol version which is currently available in two levels of trim - the entry Visia spec, and the more sporty Tekna (E16,190 for the 1.2-litre 5-door Tekna review car).

A 1.5-litre 82 PS direct injection diesel is due here in March. It will have the same engine as is used in the super New Renault Megane diesel. However, lazier drivers who like a more relaxed approach to driving can opt for the 1.2-litre petrol 4-speed automatic instead.

Every new Micra has ABS as standard, complete with Nissan Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The 1.2-litre review car also had Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Would-be Micra drivers though will have to learn to ‘speak Micra’. This new lingo includes words such as ‘compacious’ which means compact exterior yet spacious interior, and ‘legage’ which translates to plenty of legroom with class-leading luggage space. ‘Accessitude’ means individual accessories to match your attitude.

In keeping with the Micra’s friendly persona, you can key three special dates into the trip computer - handy for remembering special birthdays or anniversaries. It will even wish you a Happy Birthday on the appropriate day. Beat that!