Nissan's humble Micra has been propping up the range for 20 years now. From humble beginnings as the boxy original it was transformed into the bubble-like second version early in the '90s and at a stroke became an altogether more serious market contender. Then a few years ago Nissan rejuvenated the model again, with an individually styled and bigger Micra.

When we drove the latest Nissan Micra we were left deeply impressed by its all-round talents. Enough ability, it transpired, to mark it out as one of our favourites and really rattle the establishment. A broad range of talents was made even more impressive by a wide range of power plants, specifications and value for money, but up until now the range topped out with the 1.4 16v SVE, leaving something of a void for those looking for some super-mini thrills.

This is where the new range-topping model comes in, plugging the gap and extending the range at the same time. The name is of a suitable format as per the competition (160SR), but before you get your hopes up the Micra's nomenclature differs from recent trends in so much as the 160 doesn't stand for the power of the engine but rather the 1.6-litre capacity. The disappointment is lessened by the fact that the car still has a decent 108bhp, which places it in competition with cars such as the Ford Fiesta Zetec and Mini One.

Nissan's 160SR is differentiated from lesser Nissan Micra models by a series of small but distinctive visual tweaks. For starters, the large front headlights that tend to dominate the looks of the car are tinted. There is also the full complement of plastic addenda, including sculpted front bumper and splitter, a rear spoiler and reprofiled rear bumper and side skirts. These items manage to lift the appearance and lend the diminutive little car an edge and sense of purpose.

The revvy little 1.6 referred to in the name has enough clout to push the Micra to 60mph in 9.8 seconds and onto a 114mph maximum. A decent 113lb.ft of torque (at 4400rpm) gives the super-mini some decent in-gear flexibility as well and sensible gearing means that an average consumption in the low 40s (mpg) is entirely reasonable to expect. It underlines the benefits of putting a relatively large engine into a small car.

Enthusiasts will be glad to hear that the chassis has been tuned for fun. The dark alloys look the part and at first glance appear to be suitably generously shod. However, on closer inspection one can see that although it has the almost pre-requisite 16-inch diameter, the tyre is only 185 section, on humble six-inch wide rims where many rivals offer a 195 or even a 205 section tyre. A subtle difference, but one that makes for significantly disparate driving characteristics. Where some rivals are dominated by an almost insatiable hold on the tarmac, the relatively lower grip of the Micra means the limit is much more accessible at more sensible speeds.

That is not to say that the Micra slides all over the place, or indeed that it lags behind its rivals as a cross-country tool; it just feels more adjustable and involving at lower speeds. The steering is perhaps a little light, but has some feel and is nice and direct. The brakes are also more than capable of repeatedly hauling the Micra down from speed on twisty roads. Anti-lock brakes, ESP and EBD all help to keep the car in check if things do go awry.

The Micra's interior benefits from some suitably bolstered sports seats and small features such as alloy pedals to reflect the sporting intent. An interesting, rare and useful addition to the instrument binnacle is a small light that illuminates at start-up and stays on until the engine has warmed through; a subtle, but important reminder that you should let the car warm through before beginning to overly exert it. More cars should have such a thing, even if they already feature a coolant temperature gauge.

The 160SR benefits from the Micra's excellently laid out interior with plenty of cabin space and a large boot. The equipment levels are as high as you'd expect of a range topping car, while the lesser Micras are similarly well equipped relative to their rivals. The SR comes with an in-dash six CD changer, full electrics, air conditioning and automatic wipers. Those seeking more luxuries can opt for the SVE specification car, but it lacks the ultimate fun factor of the 160SR.

A few generations ago, the idea of a warm-hatch Nissan Micra would have been laughable; even the previous generation offered nothing more than a 1.3-litre version on the UK market. Here though Nissan has made a really good job at the execution of the 160SR. The all-round package offers conspicuous value for money in terms of ability and equipment. It may lack the necessary looks to appeal to the broadest cross section of the market, but for those who look beyond a book's cover there lies within an excellent little car.

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Nissan Micra Hatch UK range overview

Prices below are for the three-door variants. Add £650 for the five-door versions.

- Nissan Micra 1.2 16v E: £8,175
- Nissan Micra 1.2 16v S: £8,730
- Nissan Micra 1.2 16v S automatic: £9,630
- Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi 65 S: £9,430
- Nissan Micra 1.2 16v SE: £9,730
- Nissan Micra 1.2 16v SE automatic: £10,630
- Nissan Micra 1.4 16v SE: £10,030
- Nissan Micra 1.4 16v SE automatic: £10,930
- Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi 82 SE: £10,830
- Nissan Micra 1.4 16v SVE: £11,175 (tested in 2003)
- Nissan Micra 1.4 16v SVE automatic: £12,175
- Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi 82 SVE: £12,075
- Nissan Micra 1.2 16v Sport: £9,880
- Nissan Micra 1.4 16v Sport: £10,180
- Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi 82 Sport: £10,980
- Nissan Micra 160SR: £9,995