As Nissan Ireland’s all-new Micra hits showrooms just ahead of the arrival of its innovative Leaf, the world’s first mass-market production electric vehicle, the company reports demand outstripping supply in the case of both its big selling Qashqai and current Continental Car of the Year winner Juke.

The good news is there are fresh supplies on the way.

And keen interest in the Nissan Leaf, which arrives on March 1, has so far brought 500 advance orders with up to 1,000 sales projected by the end of 2011, while the new fourth generation Micra – there are around 46,000 currently on Irish roads – is expected to find 2,000 new Irish owners this year.

Boasting breakthrough packaging and small-car engineering, Nissan’s five-door city car – which is slightly bigger with increased leg, shoulder and head room, and lighter than the outgoing car – not only has the distinction of being the first model to use the company’s new V-Platform but also the first to be powered by a new fuel-efficient (5.0L/100kms), low-emission, three cylinder 80hp 1.2 litre petrol engine (CO2 115g/m, Band A).

The new car also offers better handling and braking as well as ESP as standard and the lowest turning radius of 4.65mm on the market.  The new Micra arrives with an entry level price of €14,195.

There are three trims, the entry-level XE and the SV and SVE which have higher spec and also “flip and fold” their rear seats for increased luggage carrying capacity.

There is also a choice of two transmissions – five-speed manual and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission – the cheapest in the market place).

Now to the ever-so quirky, youthful and daring Juke.

Nissan’s unusual looking but cleverly styled smaller brother of the hugely successful Qashqai, is a mini five-door crossover that appeals to younger buyers eager to set themselves apart from the crowd.  Already a major success in its own right the current Continental Car of the Year has exceeded sales expectations in Japan, Europe and the US since its launch in 2010.

It’s controversial yet innovative exterior design, blending supermini with SUV, is a tale of two halves.

From its SUV-style pumped-up wheel arches, masculine haunches, extended ground clearance, large wheels and wide stance lower half to its sports car-like top section with its couple-like falling roofline, high waistline and concealed rear door handles.

All of which is further enhanced by an expressive frontal treatment and boomerang-shaped tail-lights.

The funkiness continues inside with a motorcycle inspired interior together with plenty of colour coded highlights around the snug cabin.  Space inside is good and will suit a small family well.

The high roof line ensures ample headroom upfront – the driver sits in a slightly elevated driving position – but rear space is a little restricted  by the steeply raked rear hatch.

Legroom all round is good with a decent amount of room in the rear to stretch the legs.

The Juke also has a flat load floor but space available is no more than a small hatch.

This, however, expands to 1,017 litres of space with the 60/40 split rear bench folded down.  In addition there is a useful storage well under the floor.

Standard features on our “Sport” version included remote central locking with speed sensitive door locking, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, driver and passenger front airbags, side front airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear) 2 Points Child seat ISOFIX, front and rear electric windows, electric adjustable door mirrors, CD radio, 6 speakers, electric speed sensitive power steering, air con, 17-inch Sport alloys, “Premium” embossed grey suede-like seat fabric with red accented mesh, privacy glass etc.

POWER:  This is a delightfully fun vehicle to look at and to drive.  The 117bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine is not only clean and economical, sitting in Tax Band B, but is also a fairly smooth and decent performer although short gearing means frequent changes.  It takes 11 seconds from rest to reach 100km/h and has a top speed of 178km/h.  We averaged 42mpg.