New Nissan Micra for the Electric Era.
New Nissan Micra for the Electric Era.
The original Nissan Micra was launched in Ireland in 1983 and it was famed for its particularly low fuel consumption, uncommonly high gearing and a remarkably low weight of 630kg in its early European trim. The Micra was a direct competitor to the big-selling Ford Fiesta, Toyota Starlet and Daihatsu Charade at the time, and it went on to form a loyal customer base within a short period of time.
Sixth-Generation Micra.
Now in its 6th generation, the all-new Nissan Micra has evolved for the electric era, and has been reborn as a fully electric hatchback for a whole new audience. The new Micra signals a deliberate and dramatic pivot, and rather than simply updating the previous model, Nissan has chosen to tear up the rulebook entirely and embrace an all-electric platform. The result is a car that shares its name and its spirit of accessibility with its predecessors, but which is technologically worlds apart. Proposed Euro 7 emissions regulations, which could increase the cost of a conventionally powered supermini by up to €5,000 prompted Nissan to launch the Micra as electric-only. The new Micra is built at Renault’s Douai facility in northern France, rolling off the same production line as its close relative, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. The two cars share the same ‘AmpR Small’ electric architecture, motors and battery technology – a partnership born of pragmatic industrial logic rather than creative compromise. Developing a bespoke EV platform is a hugely expensive exercise, but by pooling resources through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, both brands can offer competitive, affordable electric vehicles without shouldering the full development burden independently. It is a strategy that keeps prices accessible and speeds time to market.
SUV-Inspired Proportions.
The new Micra adopts a confident, modern stance with refined SUV-inspired proportions that feel fresh, purposeful and truly appealing. The circular LED headlamps and tail-lights clearly take inspiration from the beloved 3rd generation Micra (2003-2010), while its slightly raised ride height and bold wheel arch cladding provide the car with an assertive road presence despite its relatively compact dimensions. A deep, sweeping indentation along the door panels serves as Nissan’s signature exterior design flourish, making the new Micra both visually distinctive and immediately recognisable. In order to reinforce the new Micra’s youthful, design-conscious appeal, a range of two-tone colour combinations are available.
Two Electric Powertrain Options.
The new Micra is available with two powertrain options: a front-mounted electric motor producing 90kW (121bhp) paired with a 40kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, and a 110kW (148bhp) electric motor paired with a 52kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. In terms of achievable range, the smaller battery has a potential WLTP range of up to 317km when fully charged, with the larger unit capable of up to 416km on a WLTP combined driving range. The 40kWh ‘Standard Range’ Micra can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in 9.0 seconds, and it supports DC rapid charging up to 80kW, with the 52kWh ‘Extended Range’ version reducing the 0-100km/h sprint time to 8.0 seconds, and increasing its DC rapid charging capability to 100kW – meaning a charge from 10% to 80% can be achieved in as little as 28 minutes.
Three Trim Options.
There are three trims available in the new Micra: Engage, Advance and Evolve. Entry-level Engage trim is only available with the 40kWh battery, with range-topping Evolve trim only available with the 52kWh battery. However, buyers who opt for mid-spec Advance trim can choose between both battery sizes to suit their own personal needs. Key standard features in Engage trim include 18-inch steel wheels with covers, automatic LED headlamps with High Beam assist, rain sensing wipers, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, rear spoiler, auto air-conditioning, 7-inch colour driver information display, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, along with a heat pump and a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Mid-spec Advance trim benefits from Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop/Go function, Lane Departure Prevention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning & Intervention, Intelligent Speed Assist, rear view camera, synthetic leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, 10-inch colour driver information display, satellite navigation, wireless charger, 3 driving modes, and an electric parking brake with auto hold. Additional equipment in top-tier Evolve trim includes exclusive ‘Sport’ interior trim, heated leather steering wheel, heated driver and front passenger seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, premium Harmon Kardon sound system with 9 speakers, ProPILOT, and one pedal drive mode with paddle shifters.
Test Car Details.
My range-topping Micra Evolve 52kWh test car was finished in vibrant Authentic Blue metallic paintwork with a Mystery Black metallic roof for added visual appeal. The combination of sharp lines, dramatic lights and intriguing design accents provide the Micra with a thoroughly modern and distinctive look, while sleek aerodynamics enable the car to glide through the air for greater efficiency and ultimate refinement on the move. Excellent grip and progressive body control enables the Micra to feel quite agile, and this becomes evident on twisty country roads where the car feels very comfortable and composed. The steering is precise and suitably weighted, making it easy to carry out a three-point turn on urban roads, and it is direct enough to give the car the necessary agility to tackle bends with ease. The Micra’s independent rear multi-link suspension is shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech, and it is a significant upgrade over many rivals, as it is usually reserved for larger, more expensive cars. The varying levels of brake regeneration in the Micra ensure that the needs of every type of driver are accommodated for, with Nissan’s ‘e-Pedal’ one-pedal driving system providing the ultimate in driving pleasure. Drive modes consist of Eco, Comfort and Sport, allowing the driver to tailor the driving experience to their own personal taste. The new Micra is, in my opinion, one of the best cars in its class.
Price.
With a starting price of €25,995 (inclusive of current Irish Government EV incentives for private buyers), the all-new Nissan Micra positions itself as one of the most accessible electric cars on sale in Ireland right now, and it carves out a compelling value proposition in an increasingly crowded market segment.
Visit www.nissan.ie for further information.
