With a magic gearbox and engine, Nissan hopes new Micra Xtronic will be a No1 hit

Maggie Barry Some animals, like the potbellied seahorse, mate for life.

I was reminded of this as I drove the Nissan Micra Xtronic – that’s the one with the new automatic gearbox paired with the equally new 1.0-litre IG-T engine. The two were made for each other.

This gearbox – a stepped CVT to be precise – with the three-cylinder petrol engine offers 100PS to create a car that young and old are both going to desire.

It is sprightly and agile, smooth and quiet, responsive and willing. But what really marks it out for me is the simple fact that it is an automatic, which is very unusual in a car of this size.

Nissan says automaticsics are rising in popularity in this country and reckons its decision to put an automatic box in such a small car is well founded.

Of course, all hybrid and electric vehicles are already automatic so it’s not surprising this is the way we are going. Helen Nissan Micra Xtronic N-Connecta 1.0-litre petrol automatic 100PS 13 seconds 44.8 115g/km Three years/60,000 miles About £18500 Perry, of Nissan, said: “Customers in this segment of the market are increasingly looking for an automatic transmission. “With the launch of the Nissan Micra Xtronic, we’re in the perfect position to meet their needs.” I can see a small automatic car being particularly attractive to those who just want a neat, good-looking car for getting about town, for people considering downsizing and, indeed, for those starting on their driving journey. It iis a smart move for Nissan to i nntt ro duc e this verversions into it s lineline- up, which also incluincludes two manual 1.0litre engines, a 1.0l itre tuned to 117117PS in an N Sport trim and a 1.5-litre diesel.die TThe Micra itself loolooks good. It’s wellproproportioned with a particularly attractive rear. In the N- Connecta trim, it also has design cues well above its price point such as illuminated sills, the rather lovely dash sweeping across the front of the cabin and some delightful two-tone seats.

It comes with the new Nissan Connect infotainment system and sat nav accessed via the 7in colour touchscreen on the dash. This also provides useful data such as speed limits and drivers can download an app to their phone for even more instant satisfaction.

They can, for example, plan their trip on their phones before leaving and send it to the car. Route guidance then begins on the sat nav as soon as they start the car. There is voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a Find My Car feature.

Nissan also fit their safety pack as standard on all UK cars.

The Nissan Micra Xtronic in no way resembles the pot- bellied seahorse but, once driven, you will be smitten – perhaps, even like them, for life.