THE covers are nearly...

THE covers are nearly off the Micra! Our team of eagle-eyed spy photographers captured these revealing pictures of NissanтЂ™s all-new supermini

during a promotional video shoot in Australia.

And despite the view being obscured by blue dust sheets and the scaffolding surrounding our snapperтЂ™s perch, the lack of camouflage means these shots are the best clue yet as to how the production model will look. Last October, we used official sketches and line drawings leaked during the Tokyo Motor Show to piece together an illustration of how the new Micra was likely to appear. And judging by these spy shots, we were correct down to the last detail.

From the frog-like headlamps and large lower grille to the brake light clusters and rear windscreenтЂ™s curved bottom edge, the Micra is shaping up as expected, with a host of familiar cues. Under the skin, though, things have taken a greater leap forward. Sitting on NissanтЂ™s all-new V platform тЂ“ V standing for versatile тЂ“ the car promises to be 50kg lighter, more efficient and provide more cabin space than the model it replaces.

To maximise fuel economy, the company has developed a fresh three-cylinder engine and CVT automatic gearbox. A stop-start system will also feature. Working in conjunction with those weight savings, a sub-120g/km CO2 output is anticipated, as are fuel returns of around 60mpg. We expect the new Micra to make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in early October. It will go on sale in the UK later the same month, most likely in five-door form.