ANYBODY who trades in a current or classic Micra for a new, top-of-the-range Micra SVE will get an £800 thank you from Nissan. They will also get three years' free servicing and three years' free roadside assistance. And if they choose to finance their purchase over three years and have enough for a 40% deposit, they will pay zero interest. (Actually, Nissan isn't being quite so discriminatory with the three year peace of mind and 0% interest offers - these apply whatever you trade in, livestock excepted).

It says something that the Micra already enjoys one of the highest loyalty rates in its class. Yes, that offering current Micra drivers £800 to buy a new SVE could prove expensive. For Nissan, that is. For the customer, it would bring the price of a new SVE down to as little as £9,695 for the fully equipped 1.4-litre three-door or no more than £11,245 for the 1.4-litre five-door automatic.

The SVE's specification will have classic Micra drivers thinking they've been given a Primera. Or hallucinatory drugs. Keyless entry and start up, parking sensors, electronic climate control, rain sensing wipers, see-you-home lighting, a computer that wishes you "Happy Birthday" ... it's all standard on the SVE. One thing lacking in the Micra SVE, admits Nissan, is a free insurance. Yes, well, a company can only be so generous and Nissan has done hardship once already.

However, Nissan is offering free insurance on Micra S, SE Extras and SX in lieu of the SVE's loyalty bonus. Previously, Nissan's free insurance excluded under 21s. Not any longer. It now applies to anyone as old as 19 (21 still in Northern Ireland - sorry) or as young as 80. But you have to finance your purchase using Nissan's Preferences scheme. That's not such a bad thing if it's a Micra S you're buying because Nissan will also knock £500 off your deposit ... whatever you currently drive.