Going Electric with Nissan's Fresh Spin on the Micra, a Renault 5 Lookalike with a Twist
Nissan reintroduces the Micra, now in electric and crossover form.
Ready for a dose of electric power with a dash of Japanese styling? Nissan's Micra is back in its sixth iteration, and it's all charged up and ready to roll! While it shares a base with Renault's 5, the Micra is far from being its twin.
Amidst the launch's impending arrival at the end of this year, Nissan will offer the new Micra sleekly designed in two variations – boasting 90 kW/120 PS, 40 kWh battery, and a range of 310 km, or 110 kW/150 PS packed with a 52 kWh battery promising a whopping 408 km. The numbers are a telling reflection of the Renault 5, but with one standout feature that sets the Micra miles apart – Nissan's patented E-Pedal.
In essence, the E-Pedal allows drivers to run the car almost exclusively with the accelerator pedal, and landing lifts will cause the Micra to automatically brake to a stop. Now, this technology won't be exclusive for long, as Renault promises to offer it in one of the upcoming software updates.
When it comes to the competition, the Micra holds its ground in terms of range and charging technology, all without setting any notable accents. But fear not, the developers' top priority was to offer an affordable price, making the Micra a steal!
Now, if you're wondering how the Micra sets itself apart visually from its French counterpart, the design team at Nissan's London design center has pulled off a fantastic feat. The Micra's distinctive C-pillar and iconic proportions from Renault's retro small car had to be tackled creatively. To achieve this, Nissan designers chose to replace all visible body parts and tilt the design slightly toward an SUV, featuring a more prominent hood and emphasized wheel arches.
Unique additions include LED rear lights and daytime running lights, inspired by the Micra III's round lights from 2003. But that's not all – the rectangular headlights within the round design create an unusual contrast, providing a modern twist to the overall vintage appearance.
Moving inside the vehicle, you'll find the interior layout riding on Renault, but with a touch of Nissan's personal touch to the materials and trim parts. Space is on par with class standards, with comfortable headroom for front passengers and a more cramped experience for rear passengers, especially taller folks. Additionally, Nissan plans to offer the Micra in three trim levels, each featuring a heat pump for preserving range in chilly weather, along with the ability to prepare the battery for fast charging.
As the Micra vies with competitors such as the Mini EV, Fiat's 500e and 600e, the Opel Corsa E, and the Peugeot E-208, it falls within the broader price range of roughly 26,000 to 36,000 euros. With an array of design extras, Nissan offers interesting options for individualization, boasting a total of 14 color combinations, some offering a two-tone finish.
So, buckle up and embrace Nissan's vision of the Micra – a stylish, powerful, budget-friendly, and uniquely enhanced electric vehicle that's ready to claim its spot on the road. Spoplus!
The following is added in point 1 (b): The new Nissan Micra incorporates advancements in both lifestyle and technology, with the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and cars, such as the E-Pedal system that ensures a seamless driving experience. This technology, though soon to be offered by Renault, initially sets the Micra apart in the EV market.