Nissan has announced that its new Micra C+C, which was designed and engineered in the UK, will also be built here too.

The new coupe/convertible is being unveiled today, at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, where it will be built.

First shown as a concept at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the production version includes a folding hardtop made largely of glass.

The roof can be raised in 22 seconds.

The Micra C+C will be available with either the recently enhanced 88bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine or the newly developed 110hp 1.6 16 valve twin cam petrol unit , which also powers the new Micra 160SR.

Sales are due to start towards the end of the year.