The next-generation Nissan Micra will be previewed at the Geneva Motor Show with a radical new concept car called Sway.

The current Mk4 Micra has lost much of the goodwill and popularity of its predecessors. As a result, Nissan is promising something more radical for its replacement, due in 18 months’ time.

According to the carmaker, the Sway promises the same kind of “innovative design and product planning” that “gave birth to the Qashqai and Juke”.

A statement read: “What would happen if we applied the same radical thinking and quality standards to one of the most important sectors in Europe: the small hatchback?”

It continued: “The Nissan Sway concept is a glimpse at how a future generation of small Nissan models could look if the company’s striking new design language was applied to a European hatchback.”

Speaking to Autocar UK last January, ex-Nissan boss Andy Palmer said the Mk5 Micra would not return to the rounded look of the Mk3 car, something the teaser picture confirms.

The new Micra will be such a departure from the last one that Nissan is even considering dropping the Micra name and giving it a new badge altogether. 

Palmer said the new car would be "designed for Europe," but would have a "concentration on achieving emerging market success." 

 “The temptation is always to follow what’s gone before too much and fear making something too different. The designer’s job is to respect expectations but ensure fresh thinking.”