The glovebox relined

The new Micra Activ will raise an eyebrow not just for the £965 worth of extra kit it has over the Micra Initia yet undercuts by £500 … but also for its funky red lined glovebox which at 13 litres could take an entire sock draw.

The glovebox is just part of a no-cost interior trim option available on the Activ and created in London. Nissan’s Colour Studio is in the heart of the Paddington basin and takes its inspiration from capital’s fashionland. Hence the sportswear derived red and grey two-tone upholstery. But not everyone is so extrovert and a charcoal option, with black lined glovebox, borrowed from the Micra Sport is also available.

The Activ takes the Sport’s equipment level, too. Except for the substitution of 15" alloys for the Sport’s 16"s, that is. Yet with prices starting from just £8495 on-the-road, £2000 less than the equivalent Sport, nobody should be complaining.

The Activ is available with a choice of three engines – 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.5dCi diesel. The 1.2-litre three-door costs just £8495. Moving up to the 1.4-litre petrol will add £300 or £1100 for the diesel. An extra two doors will add £650. The Activ is also offered with the option of low rate finance using Nissan’s personal contract purchase plan – 4.9% APR with no minimum deposit.

Outside the Activ has deeper sport bumpers and spoilers plus six-spoke 15" alloy wheels. Inside there’s a leather rimmed steering wheel with controls for the drive computer and six speaker CD/radio, air conditioning, electric door mirrors and windows, four airbags, central locking with anti-hijack feature, plus some special Micra easy-life features such as ‘friendly lighting’, battery save and a bag hook.

Eight different exterior colours are offered. And they can be teamed with either of the interior options. Go for the funky red one with matching glovebox lining, and you won’t want to keep a lid on it.