NISSAN is serious about snaring 10 per cent of the new car market in Australia by the end of next year, and here is one of its biggest weapons to help reach that goal – the $12,990 K13-series Micra ST.

Fully equipped in terms of safety and convenience features, this Yaris-sized city-slicker is cheap enough to snare used-car buyers as well as those lamenting the impending loss of the Hyundai Getz.

Yet, astonishingly, there is enough of a fun factor to crack a smile on even the most avid V8 petrol head. Cheap, chirpy, cheerful, and only a little bit vocal, we’re absolutely delighted with the energetic ST. You will be too.