Nissan lifts lid on Micra C+C

• New Micra C+C convertible
• On sale at the end of the year
• Prices expected to be over £13,000

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Nissan has unveiled its new Micra C+C convertible, which goes on sale at the end of the year.

It will become the smallest car to have a folding glass and metal roof. This stows away in 22 seconds at the push of a button.

The C+C is a 2+2, which means it can carry four people. However, the rear seats are very cramped for adults and Nissan has said that they are only likely to be suitable for children or for short journeys.

The new car is lower and longer than the Micra supermini. Even with the roof down, there is an impressive 221 litres of storage in the boot, and the space is wide and deep enough to take a large suitcase. With the roof in place, boot space increases to 426 litres.

There will be two engine options at launch: the 88bhp 1.4-litre petrol from the Micra supermini, and a new 110bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine. Automatic gearboxes will be available for each from spring 2006.

Nissan has not yet decided whether to offer the C+C with a diesel engine. However, with rival Peugeot announcing a diesel option for the 206 CC convertible, Nissan may opt to put the 82bhp 1.5 dCi unit from the Micra into the C+C.

Buyers will be able to choose from two trim levels – likely to be called Sport and Sport Plus, with the latter featuring an upgraded interior with leather seats and a CD changer.

Prices for the C+C have not been announced but it is expected to start upwards of £13,000. It will be priced to compete with the two-seat Vauxhall Tigra, which costs from £13,750, and the four-seat Peugeot 206 CC, which starts at £13,495.