THE latest chapter in the Micra story is set to open with the arrival of the Micra C+C coupe/convertible which was designed and engineered in the UK and will be built here, too. Thanks to its clever folding roof, Micra C+C allows owners the best of both worlds: fresh air when the weather allows and hardtop protection when it doesn't. But the Micra C+C has another trick up its well-tailored sleeve - a C-VIEW glass roof that allows the elements to be enjoyed even in the depths of winter, a first in its class. Just as well because sales start in time for Christmas.

Chic, elegant and modern, Micra C+C adds a new dimension to the Micra family. Not only does it provide all the style of a convertible, it remains a practical prospect thanks to its sizeable boot. First shown as a concept at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the production version brings new ideas to its market segment: the folding hardtop is made largely of glass to create an open-air feeling whether the roof is up or stowed away.

Undeniably elegant, Micra C+C is lower and longer than the hatchback Micra. The roof line, dictated by the steeply raked windscreen, is 110mm lower than on the conventional car while it is also 90mm longer overall: the extra length is all to the rear of the car, to create the room needed to stow the hardtop behind the rear +2 seats.

The hardtop itself is a work of art. It can be raised or lowered with one touch of a button while the vehicle is on the move and takes just 22 seconds to fold clamshell-style beneath the double-hinged trunk lid. It is hinged at the bottom and opens front to rear when the roof is raised or lowered and at the top when opened conventionally to stow luggage.

Thanks to the Auto-Open Roof, just one button needs to be pushed when hydraulically raising or lowering the roof - an automatic latching system does away with the need to manually lock or unlock the roof's leading edge to the windscreen header rail. Micra C+C, which represents a 150 million (euros) investment, will be available with either the recently enhanced 65kW (88hp) 1.4-litre petrol engine or the newly developed 81kW (110hp) 1.6 16 valve twin cam petrol unit as powers the potent new Micra 160SR.