Nissan has unveiled its new Micra, the Japanese brand’s aesthetic take on last year’s Renault 5.
Now in its sixth generation, the firm’s supermini is fully electric for the first time, coming with two battery options and some funky styling touches.
Designed at Nissan’s London studio, senior designer Matt Weaver defended the decision not to follow the same retro remake approach as partner Renault. While keeping some of the “cute” styling cues of past Micras — such as the big-eyed front lights — it hasn’t really borrowed much from the more distinctive Pike car range, which is a shame.
It does, however, incorporate more SUV-inspired styling than its Renault sibling, including 18-inch wheels across all versions and more pronounced wheel arches. Weaver was quick to point out, though, that the aesthetic differences from the Renault 5 won’t affect aerodynamic efficiency or energy consumption. The Micra remains relatively lightweight for an EV in its class, tipping the scales between 1,400kg and 1,524kg.
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Unfortunately, sticking with the Renault 5’s dimensions also means Nissan hasn’t addressed one of that car’s main criticisms — limited rear seat legroom.
As with the Renault, two battery options are available for the Micra: a 40kWh pack delivering an expected range of 310km, and a 52kWh option offering up to 408km. Both support DC fast charging at up to 100kW, and come with a standard heat pump and thermal battery management system.
The new Micra is also capable of V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality, allowing users to power external devices — from fridges to camper heaters — directly from the battery pack. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities are planned for the future.
Three driving modes are offered, plus the option to create a personalised “Perso” profile that adjusts power delivery, steering, throttle response, and even ambient lighting.
Inside, the dashboard features dual 10.1-inch screens with built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for broader connectivity.
Dublin-born Clíodhna Lyons, Nissan’s Regional Vice President of Product Planning, told The Irish Times that manufacturers face significant challenges in producing small cars — balancing increasingly stringent European regulations with customer demands for cutting-edge technology, all while keeping prices competitive in a price-sensitive market.
On the upside, Lyons added that these regulations represent a level playing field, so success comes down to carefully choosing the features that matter most to buyers, while keeping a close eye on cost.
She clearly believes Nissan has the formula right with this new Micra — though its success will ultimately depend on pricing, which has yet to be announced.
The Micra is one of four all-electric models Nissan plans to launch over the next two years. It will join the new LEAF, Juke, and a smaller city EV based on the upcoming Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring.
The new Micra is set to arrive in Irish showrooms by the end of this year.
