NISSAN'S whizzy, new Micra 160SR has hit the streets with a rival-bashing price - at £9,995, it undercuts the Mini One, Ford Fiesta Zetec-S and the Citron C2 VTR.

The Micra will also be around in fewer numbers as Nissan is limiting supply of its street racer Micra to 1,600 units this year - an appropriate number given its 160SR label and 1.6 litre motor.

The 110PS Micra not only leaves the Mini One standing on price but also on performance. With an extra 20 horses under the bonnet and a 0-62mph time of just 9.8 seconds, the 160SR is more than a second quicker than the Mini.

Even with its extra power, the Micra 160SR is more economical, returning 42.8mpg on the combined cycle compared to the Mini's 41.5mpg.

In addition to the new 1.6 litre engine, the Micra 160SR gets stiffer and lower suspension, dynamic electronic stability programme, a deep front spoiler with integrated projector fog lamps, body coloured roof and side spoilers, dark tinted headlamps and graphite finished 16in alloys.

Side curtain airbags are another addition over the standard Micra.

Inside, the 160SR gets aluminium pedals, white dials and all the customary convenience features including six speaker CD system, and lighting plus air conditioning - all as standard. Add 16in alloys and air con alone to the Mini and you're looking at a further £1,380 bill. An extra couple of doors are unavailable on any of the Micra's rivals: the five-door 160SR is £10,645. An electric sunroof is another option at £375. Or there's two-tone leather trim with heated seats for £850...indeed heated is possibly what the 160SR's competition is feeling right now.