The five-door hatchback...

The five-door hatchback, which will replace the slow-selling Almera, is part of an innovative new range. It has been designed to boost the appeal of the company"s traditionally conservative small family car line-up. And by 2009, it will have been joined by an SUV based on the Qashqai concept as well as a small sports coupнѓ©.

As the mag"s pictures this week show, the Tone remains true to the Paris expo car. Based on the new "C" platform of Nissan and parent firm Renault, the model is longer and wider than the current Micra. At the front, the five-door Tone wears the Japanese firm"s symmetrical grille, flanked by two bold headlamps. At the rear, there"s a modern reverse-angle C-pillar and high-mounted light clusters which continue into the roof.

Inside, expect versatile seating for five with a sharp cabin design which shares many parts with the Micra. A split-level boot is also fitted, with the lower section providing secure stowage. The engine line-up will feature a choice of 87bhp 1.4-litre or 108bhp 1.6-litre petrol units. The diesel options will be 64bhp or 85bhp 1.5-litre powerplants.

Nissan has confirmed that three trim levels will be offered - S, SE and SVE. Entry-level variants are expected to cost from around н‚бЈ10,000.