New Nissan Micra: first impressions of the electric supermini

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The Nissan Micra enters a new generation that represents a complete overhaul: for the first time, the Japanese supermini is fully electric.

With more than 40 years of history and five generations behind it, the Micra has been reinvented with Renault’s support, sharing its technical underpinnings with the R5 E-Tech.

Can it reverse the negative trend currently affecting the Japanese manufacturer? It is still too soon to give a definitive answer, but the first impressions from seeing it in person are encouraging:

The good news? It looks like a Micra

Although it shares the AmpR Small platform - previously known as CMF-B EV - electric motor and batteries with its French “cousin”, the Renault 5, the Micra takes a different approach to exterior styling.

While the French model has embraced a nostalgic design, the new Micra opts for a more futuristic look, with bolder features that almost give it a crossover feel.

That may be a generous assessment, I know, but seeing Nissan’s new supermini in person makes it clear that it has presence and an identity of its own, largely thanks to its light signature, which takes inspiration from the third-generation Micra (K12).

In this respect, Nissan deserves praise for ensuring this is not a typical case of badge engineering. At least on the outside, because the cabin is a different matter. But more on that shortly.

Nissan Micra: compact dimensions and limited room

At under four metres long, the Micra has a fairly compact silhouette for a B-segment model, just like the R5. That becomes apparent when looking inside, as it is nowhere near among the roomiest cars in its class.

Rear-seat space is tight and, if you are taller than 1.70 m, it is difficult to avoid brushing your knees against the front seats and your head against the headlining. The boot tells a similar story, although its capacity is adequate for everyday needs.

If you need more room, or regularly carry adults in the rear seats, the Micra is not the car for you. Nor is the Renault 5.

The interior leaves a slightly bitter taste

The Renault 5 has one of the best interiors in its segment. Simply put. It is modern, features distinctive details and, overall, delivers a premium atmosphere - especially in higher-spec versions - that is unusual at this price point, particularly among fully electric models of this type.

That alone makes the R5’s cabin an excellent starting point. The issue is that Nissan has not adapted or developed it further. It has simply taken Renault’s proposal, changed the steering-wheel badge - along with one or two other details - plus the seat and dashboard finishes, and little else.

With that said, the Micra’s interior is very appealing. Yet it is difficult to escape the feeling that it is a direct copy of the Renault 5’s design. For anyone who has never driven the French model, this will not be a problem, but I had expected a more daring cabin to match what Nissan’s designers have achieved on the outside.

Up to 408 km of range

Built on the AmpR Small platform, the Nissan Micra is available with either a 90 kW (122 hp) or 110 kW (150 hp) electric motor. There are also two battery options: a 40 kWh unit offering up to 310 km of range, and a 52 kWh battery capable of delivering up to 408 km on a single charge.

The range-topping Micra, fitted with the 52 kWh battery and 150 hp motor, reaches 100 km/h in 8s and has a top speed limited to 150 km/h.

Charging is limited to 80 kW on direct current (DC) for the smaller battery and 100 kW for the larger one. Here too, I would have liked to see a little more, as I had with the R5.

What about the price?

At this stage, prices for the new Nissan Micra in the Portuguese market have not yet been finalised and are only expected to be announced in the coming weeks. When that happens, you will be able to find them on Razão Automóvel.

For now, the only confirmed detail is that the new electric Micra will arrive in Portugal in the final quarter of the year.