The all-new Nissan Micra arrives as a credible, fun-to-drive entrant in the small electric-vehicle segment, sharing its underpinnings with the Renault R5 but offering distinct styling, interior touches and a slightly different equipment mix. In real-world testing, the Micra impressed with stable motorway manners, convincing range for its class and usable fast-charging performance, while its compact dimensions and rear-legroom limitations remain the main compromises.
Nissan Micra Key facts
- Length: 3,970 mm (156 in)
- Available powertrains: 122 hp or 150 hp electric versions
- Battery options: 40 kWh or 52 kWh (the test car had the 52 kWh pack)
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~9 s (122 hp) / ~8 s (150 hp)
- Top speed: 150 km/h (approx.)
- Real-world consumption (observed): ~15 kWh/100 km at 100 km/h; ~13 kWh/100 km mixed city/countryside
- Real-world range (observed): ~350 km (220 miles) mixed; up to ~400 km (250 miles) in very economical city use with the 52 kWh pack
- Charging: AC 11 kW; DC fast charging up to 80 kW (smaller battery) and 100 kW (larger battery) — 15→80% in ≈30 minutes (manufacturer-stated/observed)
- Boot capacity: 330 litres (accessible two-piece split rear seats)
- Price (Europe): from €28,000; around €33,000 with the larger battery; €35,000 in the high trim (as tested).
Design and packaging
The new Nissan Micra adopts a contemporary, rounded face that separates daytime running lights from the main lamp clusters and emphasizes a friendly, retro-modern character. Distinguishing visual cues include two-tone lower cladding and high-gloss black accents on higher trims (B-pillar treatment varies by trim). Rear styling features circular tail lamps with body-coloured surrounds, a deliberate design choice that differentiates the Micra from its Renault R5 sibling.
Despite compact exterior dimensions, the Micra offers a usable 330-litre boot and flexible 60/40 split rear seats. There is no frunk; the front compartment is shallow and primarily used for minimal storage. Practical details include a small stowage area for accessories and a dedicated space for a vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter.
Nissan Micra Interior and technology
The Micra’s cabin mixes hard and soft surfaces: a soft-touch leatherette-style dash insert and quality-feel switchgear contrast with harder door trims. The tested Sport trim features leatherette and fabric seat combinations; lower trims use plain fabrics while the “Zen” trim offers lighter, white fabric options in the brochure.
Key cockpit elements:
- 10-inch central infotainment in mid/high trims (7-inch in base specification) with integrated Google Maps and native route planning for charging stops. Navigation can display in the instrument cluster.
- Digital instrument cluster with configurable views (including map display).
- Physical climate controls with satisfying tactile feedback.
- Wireless charging pad (removable for cleaning), multiple USB ports, and ISOFIX anchors (notably even accessible on the front passenger seat in certain configurations).
- One-pedal driving and adjustable regenerative braking via steering-wheel controls; true one-pedal stop is available when explicitly activated.
Ergonomically the Nissan Micra is well laid out for average-sized occupants, but tall drivers and rear passengers reported noticeable knee-room constraints that can make long journeys less comfortable.
Nissan Micra Powertrains, charging and range
Nissan Micra offers two power outputs paired to two battery sizes:
- 122 hp with the 40 kWh battery (lighter, slightly slower)
- 150 hp with the 52 kWh battery (greater punch; tested car)
Performance is competitive for the segment: the 150 hp/52 kWh combo manages 0–100 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the smaller pack version is roughly 1 second slower. The Micra is tuned with a firm, sporty suspension, an asset for handling and motorway stability, but it can feel firmer over urban bumps.
Charging:
- AC: 11 kW onboard charger (both packs)
- DC: Up to 80 kW (40 kWh pack) or 100 kW (52 kWh pack). Manufacturer and test observations indicate ≈15→80% in ~30 minutes under suitable conditions.
Real-world economy during testing varied with speed and driving style:
- Highway (100 km/h): around 15 kWh/100 km
- City / mixed driving: down to ~13 kWh/100 km
- Those figures translated to roughly 350 km (220 miles) real-world mixed range for the 52 kWh car, rising close to 400 km (250 miles) under very economical city conditions.
On-road behaviour and driver aids
The Nissan Micra blends city agility with composed motorway manners. Steering is light in comfort settings and slightly more weighted in Sport, providing a satisfying go-kart like feel in urban environments and reassuring stability at speed. The chassis balance gives confidence during lane changes and higher-speed cruising.
Driver-assistance highlights:
- Adaptive cruise with lane-centering performs smoothly on motorway bends.
- Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring (mirror indicator dot) are fitted; blind-spot indication is unobtrusive though could be more prominent.
- Personalization: The infotainment allows quick toggles to deactivate speed alerts and specific driver assists via a “My Personal Safety” profile.
Recuperation is adjustable with a genuine one-pedal stop mode, but the function must be deliberately engaged rather than always active by default.
Practicality and usability
Boot space (330 litres) and flexible folding seats make the Nissan Micra practical for everyday urban use. The front compartment lacks a meaningful frunk, limiting additional storage. Small design touches (removable charging-port adapter storage, well-damped glovebox, tap-activated cabin lamps) add to usability.
Fit for five: technically yes, but long journeys with three adults across the rear bench will be tight, the car best suits small families, couples or singles prioritizing city driving and occasional longer trips.
Nissan Micra Pricing and market positioning
The Nissan Micra is positioned at the premium end of the small-EV bracket, with a base price around €28,000, rising to about €33,000 with the larger battery and €35,000 for high-spec trims. That places it slightly above the Renault R5 entry price but competitive in equipment and perceived refinement; in some high trims the Micra may be cheaper than an equivalent R5.
Nissan’s Micra competes with small urban EV contenders (and upcoming lower-cost offerings such as Volkswagen’s proposed compact ID model). Its strengths are driving dynamics, integrated Google infotainment, and an authentic small-car character.
Verdict
The Nissan Micra successfully reimagines the compact EV for drivers who want a lively, well-equipped small car that is equally at home in tight city streets and on the motorway. It stands out for engaging handling, convincing real-world range with the 52 kWh battery, and a high-quality cabin feel for the segment. The main trade-offs are limited rear legroom and the absence of a frunk.
For buyers seeking personality, solid day-to-day range and an enjoyable driving experience in a compact footprint, the Micra is an attractive choice. For very tall drivers or buyers prioritizing maximum interior space, a larger model would be more suitable.
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