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.

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-inch alloys for the Sport's 16-inch wheels, that is. Prices start from £8,495 on-the-road, £2,000 less than the equivalent Sport.

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 £8495. Moving up to the 1.4-litre petrol will add £300 or £1,100 for the diesel. An extra two doors will add £650. Outside, the Activ has deeper sport bumpers and spoilers plus six-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside there's a leather-trimmed steering wheel with controls for the drive computer and six-speaker CD/radio, air conditioning, electric door mirrors and windows, four airbags and central locking.