We got to experience the new, electric-only sixth-generation Nissan Micra in Zurich. Designed in Europe and engineered on the AmpR platform, the new Micra is the Renault 5’s corporate cousin, and has just gone on sale in Europe.
We’ll discuss the Micra’s North American chapter at the end of the story, but here’s what we learned during our experience with the vehicle.
Design
The Micra EV retains the spirit of the original but takes on a more robust and confident look. Styled at Nissan Design Europe in London, the car’s exterior features strong SUV-inspired proportions. A short hood, pronounced fenders, and large 18-inch wheels contribute to its planted stance.
Signature headlamps perform a distinctive “welcome wink” animation on unlocking and repeat the sequence when the driver locks the car. At the rear, circular LED lighting elements hark back to previous generations. Customers can personalize the hatch with 14 exterior color combinations, including two-tone options pairing black or gray roofs with the main body color.
Measuring under 4,000 mm (157.5 in) in length and less than 1,800 mm (70.9 in) in width, the new Micra is designed for tight city spaces. A generous wheelbase of 2,540 mm (100.0 in) helps deliver better cabin space and stability.
Interior
The cabin incorporates subtle Japanese design cues, including an embossed outline of Mount Fuji in the center storage area. A three-spoke steering wheel faces a 10.1-inch digital display, while a second 10.1-inch touchscreen spans the dash for infotainment, navigation, and connectivity needs. Its 326 liter (11.5 cu ft) boot offers strong practicality for the segment.
Experience in the Micra EV
Ingress in the new Nissan Micra Electric is simple thanks to its traditional door handles, which make it easy to get in without any gimmicks. Once inside, I found the seating position quickly even with manual controls. The front seats are supportive, offering firm back and side bolstering, along with an adjustable headrest that helps fine-tune comfort.
At six feet tall, I had enough headroom and good under-thigh support, which is impressive for a small hatchback. The steering adjusts manually for both reach and rake, and the controls are within easy reach.
The interior layout is straightforward, featuring a large touchscreen for navigation and media, along with piano-style HVAC keys that feel premium for this segment. The center console is compact, housing USB ports, a wireless charger, and a small cubby. Storage is modest, with shallow door pockets and a standard glove compartment.
Moving to the rear, the integrated pillar handles give the car a neat look. Entry is easy, but space is tight for taller adults. With the front seat adjusted to my position, my knees sit higher due to the raised floor, and my head comes close to the roofliner. The upright seatback and dark cabin, since there’s no glass roof, make it feel a little enclosed.
Knee room is limited, though I could slide my shoes under the front seat. The rear bench has adjustable headrests, but the Micra is better suited for two shorter adults or kids. Three across would be a squeeze for longer drives.
Specifications
The Micra EV is available in the UK and Europe with two battery options: a 40 kWh pack producing 90 kW (121 hp) and 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque, and a 52 kWh pack with 110 kW (147 hp) and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft). It comes only in front-wheel drive.
The smaller battery offers an estimated range of 198 miles (319 km), while the larger one extends range to 260 miles (418 km) on the WLTP cycle. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) takes 9 seconds in the 40 kWh variant, and 8 seconds in the 52 kWh option.
The car features independent front suspension with passive dampers and a multi-link rear setup. Weighing between 1,400 and 1,524 kg (3,086-3,359 lb), the Micra EV is lighter than many competitors.
The 40 kWh version supports 80 kW DC charging, while the 52 kWh version increases that to 100 kW. A 15-80 percent fast charge takes about 30 minutes. Both models include a heat pump and thermal management for optimized battery efficiency in different climates. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allows owners to power tools and appliances using the car’s battery.
Pricing
In the UK, prices for the Micra Electric begin at £22,995 for the 40 kWh version, and tops out at £29,865 for the 52 kWh version (OTR).
Micra in North America
While the Nissan Micra nameplate is recognized across Europe, Asia, and Africa, it was never offered in the U.S. market. Canadian buyers, however, received the Micra twice. The first was during the mid-1980s and then again from 2014 until its discontinuation after the 2019 model year.
The affordable subcompact was lauded for its simplicity and cheap running costs, but consumers shifted out towards crossovers, which is one reason for its discontinuation.
The new Micra EV is unlikely to reach dealers in the U.S. or Canada. Nissan plans to keep the new Leaf as its entry-level electric vehicle in the region, while introducing plug-in hybrid and self-charging e-Power technology for larger models, which are better suited to North American demand.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
